Just days ago, Cuban pitcher Robert Roilan Portuondo signed a contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He is expected to begin his U.S. professional career with the Double-A Altoona Curve. Portuondo has also expressed his interest in representing Cuba at the 2026 World Baseball Classic, as confirmed to Cuban journalist Yusseff Díaz.
Portuondo previously pitched in Cuba’s Serie Nacional with Guantánamo, where he posted a 4.39 ERA across 67 2/3 innings in 2024, striking out 45 batters. His résumé also includes stints in independent leagues in Japan and winter ball in both Nicaragua and Venezuela. He gained attention during a tryout in the Dominican Republic earlier this year, ultimately leading to his deal with Pittsburgh. His fastball touches 98 mph, and if selected for the Cuban national team, he would be among the bullpen’s hardest throwers.
Should Portuondo make the roster for the 2026 WBC, he could be joined by a talented group of pitchers, including Daysbel Hernández of the Atlanta Braves, Rafael Sánchez of the Toronto Blue Jays organization, Dario Sarduy, NPB standout Liván Moinelo of the SoftBank Hawks, and elite closer Raidel Martínez of the Yomiuri Giants.
Cuba will compete in Pool A of the World Baseball Classic, held in San Juan from March 6–11, alongside Puerto Rico, Canada, Panama, and Colombia.
