The World Baseball Classic returns in March of 2026. The sixth edition hopes to capture the excitement and build on the momentum of 2023. A record audience tuned in for a finals dream match of Japan and the U.S.A which ultimately came down to then teammates and Superstars Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout battling to the last at bat.
The field continues to grow although many will argue so does the divide between developing and power baseball countries. Cuba surprised many by advancing to Miami and the quarter final where they would run into a buzz saw U.S. squad. This scenario might best illustrate where the baseball wheat seems to separate from the chaff.
Cuba’s path and advancement were hardly conventional as chronicled here. The first Cuban iteration to include Major Leaguers dug themselves an early hole but moved on due to a wild tie breaker scenario. Each team in their opening pool finished with the same record. A tight contest and win against Australia cemented Cuba’s best placement since the inaugural 2006 WBC and created new expectations that Cuba might be back as a baseball power house. I broke down how it needs to be Job One and Not Job Done. A short three years later chronologically feels like an eternity in the changes occurring in Cuban baseball and more the likely structure for the 2026 Cuban squad.
Politics are always hanging over Cuba and their involvement on the world stage. Renewed sanctions or at least enforcement under the Helms-Burton act and Donald Trump’s second presidency present the potential scenario where Cuban ball players might not be granted Visas to appear in Puerto Rico or the continental United States. This posturing isn’t new but seems a more legitimate threat than ever. This could result in a Cuban team without players who still hold direct ties to the island.
Regardless of politicking we are likely to see a roster with more players who either haven’t stepped foot on the island since leaving or visit very sparingly. The inclusion of MLB’ers and Pros in 2023 whet the appetite for increased professional presence. We still won’t see every top Cuban MLB’er and this is due to either personal decision or shadow bans of players who left while representing Cuba, but some key names have leaked that were thought to be persona non grata to the Cuban Baseball Federation. We might see Cuban-Americans or players of Cuban descent join as well.
The Coaching Staff
German “The Magnet” Mesa was named the Manager in June. As a player he was a slick fielding ShortStop for Industriales and Team Cuba. He also managed Industriales to their last championship back in 2010. Many questioned the choice, despite his history of managerial success due to the perception he might struggle connecting with younger players or modern analytics. Concerns also exist over his ability to bridge the gap between repatriated National Team members and the desires of the Cuban Federation.
Mesa will be supported by bench coach Noelvis Gonzalez, pitching coach Jesús Manso and legends Omar Linares as hitting coach with WBC hero Pedro Luis Lazo handling the bullpen.
The Pitching Staff
Por La Goma has compiled the pitchers either confirmed or speculated to try out so far. The 2023 squad rode Yariel Rodríguez as Starter. Rodríguez parlayed his success in the tournament into a five year 32 million dollar contract with the Blue Jays. Despite being left off their World Series roster he has fortified himself as a useful high leverage reliever. It would seem he would not be in the plans for 2026 as his departure historically has resulted in banishment from the federation but rumours are he could be welcomed back and could welcome the invite. His role might be dictated by his big league club who seem to have moved on from him as a starter.
The Softbank Hawks gambled in converting Livan Moinelo from a bullpen weapon into arguably the best starting pitcher in NPB. That argument is boosted or ended by his winning the 2025 NPB MVP award. The 29 year old went 12-3 with a 1.46 ERA and figures to pair with Raidel Martinez who might be the best closer in Japan to comprise the most dangerous opener/closer combo this side of team U.S.A or the Dominican.
The general trend in baseball of starters going shorter and the pitch limits in the tournament mean most teams don’t technically need a starting rotation. I suspect Cuba will follow this trend. Although they will likely carry many veterans (Onelki Garcia and Elian Leyva return) with pro experience as openers they have more Minor League power arms to plug and play on this preliminary roster.
Daysbel Hernández has seen increased usage in the Atlanta Braves bullpen over the past two years. He limits hits and misses bats but his 30 walks in 37 innings needs improvement. The bullpen was the strength in the previous WBC and could be stronger this time around.
The Toronto Blue Jays have been aggressive in signing Cuban arms of late. As mentioned Yariel Rodríguez has been useful for the Blue Birds while Lazaro Estrada and Rafael Sánchez are both 26 years old with multiple years of minor league experience. Estrada made his MLB debut in 2025 to mixed results. Silvano Hechevarría is another Jays farmhand with plenty of tools. He parlayed being the opener for Industriales in the 2023 Finals to a pro contract. The trend so far is more players such as the Jays trio, vying for spots over players from the Cuban National Series, although Sanchez and Hechevarria aren’t far removed.
Adding to the pool of minor leaguers both trying to break through for Cuba and into the show are RHP Emmanuel Chapman (Pittsburgh – MiLB) RHP Jorge Marcheco (Angels – MiLB) RHP Yunior Tur (Athletics – MiLB) RHP Jan Carlos Hechavarría (Rookie – Angels) RHP Roilan Portuondo (Rookie – Pittsburgh) LHP Daviel Hurtado (Mets – MiLB) LHP Francis Texidó (Angels – MiLB)
The competition will also be fierce amongst players with minor league experience but pitching in lesser pro leagues including RHP Denny Larrondo (ex-DBacks –) RHP Pedro Santos (ex-Athletics) RHP Osiel Rodríguez (ex-Yankees) LHP Darien Núñez LHP Julio Robaina (ex-Houston) LHP Francis Texidó (Angels – MiLB) LHP Randy Labaut (ex-Pittsburgh)
Other hurlers rumoured to be in consideration are Jorge Marcheco (Angels) Josimar Cousin (ex-White Sox) and Ryan Fernández (Cardinals).
Andrew Pérez and Nelson Alvarez are Cuban-Americans who perhaps realize how having the WBC on their resume can add to their market value. Both topped out at AAA and likely are less auditioning for MLB scouts as much as the scouts from the myriad professional leagues around the globe.
It is staggering to see the amount of talent now plying their craft outside of Cuba. I say this as a person who has chronicled the defections both from the macro and micro level. I’ve had the good fortune to capture many of the players either in or for Cuba over the years but still had to research many more to brush up or discover our paths had crossed. The depth represents a great problem but no easy task in forming the roster which hopefully will contain an embarrassment of pitches. Is depth enough to compete with the Japans, U.S.A and Domincans of the tournament who figure to be loaded with current MLB stars? It may more likely illustrate the large divide between the very good and great baseball nations again.
Position Players
Luis Robert was the biggest name to repatriate with the Cuban National Team in 2023. El Pantera has declined further involvement until All players are welcomed. His previous involvement and recent comments are emblematic of how far things have come but how far they can still go. Losing the White Sox center fielder hurst from a talent standpoint and is a stepback culturally as well, but many of his 2023 teammates will return. Similar to the pitchers more Minor Leaguers and defected pros have been invited. Although household name recognition will be lacking there might be more current MLB’ers in the batting lineup than on the mound.
The most fascinating name on the list from a current MLB resume and his being the potential first player of Cuban descent and not Cuban nationality is Zach Neto. The Angels 25 year old Short Stop is entering his fourth season in the show and impressed with 26 steals and 26 home runs in 2025. He appears to be on the rise and his experience could be a big boost at arguably the toughest position to fill. His inclusion may offend some of the incumbent torpederos and will represent the first challenge for German Mesa in bridging gaps and managing personalities.
The player most consider the best on the island outshone many of the bigger names in 2023. Yoelquis Guibert has earned a look if not a spot based on that alone little yet his stellar performance in the National Series. He is currently plying his craft in Nicaragua and has also played professionally in Mexico and Canada. Guibert can play all three outfield positions but likely slots in better in one of the corners. He might represent the true connective tissue for the fan still living in Cuba.
Andy Pages was a revelation for the Dodgers during the regular season and a late season fade saw him lose his starting role in the playoffs. However, his remarkable catch in the ninth inning of game 7 of the World Series forced extra innings where The Dodgers would repeat as Champions. His ceiling might be the highest of any Cuban player on the planet. After hitting 27 home runs and at the very least he has a legacy defining defensive play on his resume already.
Andy Ibáñez was the first Major Leaguer to sign on for the 2023 Cuban squad and unfortunately played sparingly due to injury. He is a versatile infield defender and is currently a free agent. On a personal level he likely more now than even in 2023 wants to have an impact in the tournament and professionally use it as a showcase for his next job.
Yoan Moncada returns and like Ibáñez has battled injuries and is auditioning for his next job. Moncada of course was once the number one prospect in the game. He is coming off an incomplete pillow deal with the Angels in 2025. His third base defence has been gold glove caliber at points and the power is still there but he appeared in just 84 games. Moncada figures to hold down the hot corner and is still young enough to rebuild his market value. A strong performance could help to revive interest in the talented middle infielder.
A group of current or recent top prospects with Minor League jobs or experience is led by Ernesto Martínez Jr, Yiddi Cappe once the prize for the Marlins in the International market, Alexander Vargas and Jean Walters. All have plenty of tools but have yet to really harness them. • Víctor Labrada is another young outfielder whose stock has been rising in the Seattle system. From a roster perspective all have upside and something to prove at least.
Another position which may be held over for a player from the National Series is catcher. Omar Hernandez a prospect in the Royals system is listed but his bat hasn’t inspired in the minors. Andrys Perez is a favourite for his work in the National Series but concerns of transferability to this level are real. Ariel Martinez despite his push away from behind the dish in Japan might have to don the gear to have a spot or bigger role. Edgar Quero made his debut with the White Sox in 2025 and was rumoured to be interest but has since declined.
Preliminary 50 man rosters have apparently been delivered to the WBSC as of December 2nd, 2025. 35 man cutdown rosters are due by February 3rd, 2026 and official announcements aren’t expected before that date. Many names including WBC legendAlfredo Despaigne are absent for now but I suspect there will be greater National Series involvement than currently illustrated.
