Yankees prospect Alexander Vargas has committed to represent Cuba at the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The 23-year-old infielder has split time between High-A and Double-A during the 2025 season. Before being optioned to High-A Hudson Valley, Vargas hit .240/.316/.355 with one home run over 39 games.
Since joining the Hudson Valley Renegades, Vargas has found a bit more success at the plate. In 18 games, he’s slashing .262/.319/.431 with a 115 wRC+ and three home runs. Still, it’s his defense that continues to turn heads—Vargas has been a human highlight reel at shortstop this season, anchoring the Renegades’ infield with stellar glove work.
As things stand, Vargas projects to be Cuba’s starting shortstop at the 2026 WBC. He’s expected to be joined in the infield by notable names such as Yoán Moncada, Andy Ibáñez, and Ernesto Martínez Jr.
Additionally, Marlins prospect Yiddi Cappe has also expressed interest in playing for Cuba in the tournament. The 22-year-old is having a solid 2025 season, posting a .269/.331/.400 slash line overall. But it’s his June performance that has turned heads.
In High-A, Yiddi Cappe is hitting .364/.400/.697 with three home runs this month, marking the first time in his career he’s posted an OPS above 1.000 in a single month. The second baseman from Havana is now eyeing his debut for the Cuban senior national team.
The 2026 World Baseball Classic is shaping up to be a historic moment for Cuban baseball. For the first time, Cuba is expected to field a roster composed almost entirely of players from outside the Cuban Serie Nacional, as they aim to capture their first-ever WBC title.
Cuba will open the tournament on March 6, 2026, against Panama in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
