Cuba has confirmed 18 of the 30 players for its 2026 World Baseball Classic roster as preparations for the tournament begin. So far, only one MLB player is among the initial group: Atlanta Braves right-handed reliever Daysbel Hernández according to reports by Cuban journalist Yusseff Díaz,
The biggest name among the first 18 is NPB star left-hander Liván Moinelo of the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks. After pitching out of the bullpen for Cuba at the 2023 World Baseball Classic, Moinelo was transitioned into a starting role for the 2024 season and has since emerged as one of the top starters in Japan.
In 2024, Moinelo posted a 1.88 ERA with 155 strikeouts in 163 innings. He raised his level even further in 2025, recording a 1.46 ERA with 172 strikeouts in 167 innings. In the decisive game of the Climax Series, Moinelo threw seven dominant innings, allowing one run to help SoftBank advance to the Japan Series over the Nippon-Ham Fighters.
He followed that with another strong outing in Game 3 against the Hanshin Tigers, allowing one run in six innings as SoftBank took a 2-1 series lead. SoftBank went on to win the series in five games to claim another NPB championship.
Moinelo is expected to serve as Cuba’s ace at the World Baseball Classic. With a rotation lacking established MLB starters, he will be the team’s biggest star as Cuba looks to advance out of pool play.
At the plate, there remains uncertainty. Reports indicate Dodgers outfielder Andy Pagés will not participate, while Yoán Moncada — a key contributor in 2023 — has yet to be confirmed.
One notable position player on the roster is outfielder Yoelkis Guibert, one of the top hitters in Cuba. Guibert hit .346/.523/.794 with 12 home runs, 36 RBIs and 42 walks against just 13 strikeouts in Serie Nacional play this season. The only comparable hitter statistically was his Santiago de Cuba teammate Yoel Yanqui, who has also reportedly been confirmed.
Guibert appeared in the 2023 World Baseball Classic and was one of Cuba’s better performers, going 6-for-18 with an .844 OPS and two RBIs. He is expected to be a regular starter.
After previously committing in 2025, Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Lázaro Estrada and minor leaguer Jorge Marcheco have declined invitations.
Cuba will compete in Pool A, which will be played at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico, from March 6–11. The pool includes Puerto Rico, Panama, Canada and Colombia. It will mark Cuba’s first time opening World Baseball Classic play in North America since 2009. Cuba will face Panama in the tournament’s opening game in San Juan in what could be the most competitive pool of the event.
Cuba’s Reported 18-man Roster
DH — Alfredo Despaigne
C — Andrys Pérez
C — Omar Hernández
IF — Yiddi Cappe
IF — Alexander Vargas
IF — Yoel Yanqui
OF — Yoelkis Guibert
OF — Roel Santos
P — Josimar Cousin
P — Emmanuel Chapman
P — Daysbel Hernández
P — Denny Larrondo
P — Raidel Martínez
P — Liván Moinelo
P — Darien Núñez
P — Julio Robaina
P — Osiel Rodríguez
P — Pedro Santos
Photo: Cuba’s Roel Santos (1) is congratulated by his teammates after he scored in the first inning at a World Baseball Classic game against the U.S., Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
