The Premier12 begins in November, and countries are beginning to construct rosters for the event. Cuba announced its 60-player pre-selection for the tournament.
The Cuban pool of pre-selected players includes six catchers, 15 infielders, 14 outfielders, and 25 pitchers. Yoan Moncada of the Chicago White Sox is among the players named. Moncada was born in Cienfuegos, Cuba, and played in the Serie Nacional for two seasons before he defected and signed with the Boston Red Sox.
Unlike most defectors, Moncada received permission to seek professional opportunities elsewhere. Moncada participated in the 2023 World Baseball Classic; he and Luis Robert Jr. became the first two active major league players to play for the Cuban National Team. During the 2023 WBC, Moncada slashed .435/.519/.739 with four doubles and five runs batted in six games. He was named to the 2023 WBC All-Star Team.
Cuba is set to compete in Group B of the Premier12 Tournament. They are in a group with Japan, South Korea, and the Dominican Republic. Their group features powerhouse teams from Japan, South Korea, Australia, Chinese Taipei, and the Dominican Republic. Group B games will begin on November 13. Cuba will face off against the Dominican Republic in their first game on November 13 at Taipei Tianmu Baseball Stadium in Taipei City.
By October 10, the Cuban team will be cut down to 28 players. They will be required to have at least 13 pitchers and two catchers. Moncada has never taken part in the Premier12 Tournament. He has played just 11 games in the big leagues this year as he has been injured. He has 11 hits in 39 at-bats but has not played in the majors since April 9. He has started a rehab assignment with Triple-A Charlotte. However, with the White Sox eliminated from playoff contention and Moncada set to become a free agent, he may not play for the White Sox again this year.
If the 29-year-old is healthy, fans may see him represent Cuba in the Premier12 for the first time.
Photo Credit: Yoan Moncada #10 of the Chicago White Sox celebrates hitting a single during the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on April 9, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)
