According to a report by Cuban-American journalist Yusseff Díaz, pitcher Lázaro Estrada has declared himself available to represent Cuba at the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The 26-year-old right-hander has shown promise in his first season at the Triple-A level, posting a 4.75 ERA with 66 strikeouts over 60 2/3 innings.
After a rocky start to the 2025 season with the Buffalo Bisons, Estrada has turned things around impressively. Since May, he’s recorded a 2.89 ERA with 48 strikeouts in 46 2/3 innings, allowing three or fewer hits in five of those outings.
Estrada is expected to be a key addition to a talented Cuban pitching staff that could include NPB star Liván Moinelo, Blue Jays minor leaguer Rafael Sánchez, D-backs farmhand Denny Larrondo, Braves reliever Daysbel Hernández, and elite NPB closer Raidel Martínez. Estrada would likely slot into the No. 2 or No. 3 spot in the rotation as Cuba looks to advance out of a challenging group stage.
Cuba will open its 2026 World Baseball Classic campaign on March 6 against Panama in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Photo: Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Lazaro Estrada throws against the Detroit Tigers in the sixth inning of a spring training baseball game, Monday, March 3, 2025, in Lakeland, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
