Former New York Mets and Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Yoan Lopez has declined an invitation to play for Cuba in the World Baseball Classic.
The Federacion Cubana de Beisbol tweeted the news today, saying, “Yoan López informed us that he thanks but declines the call to the team #Cuba to the V World Classic of #Beisbol . We respect your willingness to focus on issues tied to your signing with the Yomiuri Giants. Thanks for wishing us success. Other opportunities will come.”
Lopez, 30, appeared in eight games with the Mets last season, posting an ERA of 5.73 in 11.0 innings pitched. He threw 35 innings in 29 games with Triple-A Syracuse, posting a 5.14 ERA and a WHIP of 1.60.
Most of Lopez’ MLB experience came with Arizona from 2018 to 2021. He appeared in 70 games in 2019, pitching 60.2 innings with a 1.137 WHIP and an ERA of 3.41, the best year of his career to date.
The Mets sold Lopez’ rights to the Yomiuri Giants of NPB for $600,000 in December. He signed a $1.1 million deal with the Giants.
