Preview of Potential Roster for Cuba’s Premier12 Team

As the end of regular seasons rapidly approaches, countries and players are working on getting their rosters constructed for this November’s Premier12 Tournament. In 2019, Cuba went 1-2 in group play, so they will be looking to add more talent to this year’s team. Nothing has been confirmed yet, but here are some players we could see suiting up for Cuba this November.

Looking at the backstop position, Cuba could bring in catchers Ariel Martinez and Andrys Perez, who have both caught on previous teams put together by Cuba. A third catcher could potentially join both Martinez and Perez, but the players not selected for the Premier12 team can be eligible to participate in the Copa del Caribe in the Bahamas this upcoming October.

The infielders that could be taking the diamond this winter could be Yurisbel Gracial manning the hot corner at third base, former Angels prospect Roberto Baldoquin playing shortstop, veteran shortstop Alexei Ramirez handling second base, with Yadir Drake rounding out the infield at first base. According to Miguel Rodriguez of Pelota Cubana, shortstop Erisbel Arruabarrena could miss the Premier12 tournament after having one of his knees surgically repaired. The shortstop said he would do everything possible to try and play in the tournament. Other infielders that could be considered for their roster would be Dayan Garcia, Christian Rodriguez, Yadil Mujica, Jeison Martinez, and Raul Gonzalez.

In terms of the outfield, we could be seeing former A’s prospect Lazaro Armenteros, Roel Santos, Yoelkis Guibert, and veteran outfielder Alfredo Despaigne could serve as the team’s designated hitter. With some of their infielders that could slide into the outfield mix if needed, the team could also bring Jose Amaury Noroña, Guillermo Garcia, Denis Peña, and Denis Laza. Francys Romero also confirmed via his social media accounts that Brewers outfield prospect Ernesto Martinez Jr. is among the 60 players being considered for Cuba’s roster.

Pitching will be huge for Cuba in the tournament, where we could potentially see if more players from the minor leagues could be included on Cuba’s roster for the tournament. Some of the pitchers we could see representing Cuba would be NPB’s Livan Moinelo and Raidel Martinez, Frank Luis Medina, former MLB pitcher Yoan Lopez, Raymond Figueredo, Yusniel Padron Artiles, Yoennis Yera, Jose Ramon Rodriguez, and former MLB reliever Darien Nunez. For pitchers, the options would be presented if the Cuban Baseball Federation manages to contact other pitchers in foreign leagues. Former Padres and Royals pitcher Ronald Bolaños also confirmed on his social media accounts that he will be part of the Premier12 team, according to journalist Yusseff Diaz.

Players Narbe Cruz, Julio Robaina, and Omar Estevez have removed themselves from consideration after they agreed to join the team. Three Cuban minor league pitchers have also shown interest in joining the team. Still, pitchers Jorge Marcheco, Lazaro Estrada, and Rafael Sanchez have been prevented from leaving the country until the proper documents are received by the FCB’s immigration process.

Cuba is set to compete in Group B of the Premier12 Tournament. Their group features powerhouse teams from Japan, South Korea, and the Dominican Republic. Games will begin on Nov. 10 and run until Nov. 24. Cuba will face off against the Dominican Republic in their first game on November 13 at Taipei Tianmu Baseball Stadium in Taipei City.

Photo Credit: Members of Cuba’s team celebrate their 4-3 victory in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) quarter-final game between Cuba and Australia at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo on March 15, 2023. (Photo by Philip FONG / AFP) (Photo by PHILIP FONG/AFP via Getty Images)