Cuba has officially confirmed the first 18 players of its projected 30-man roster for the World Baseball Classic 2026, signaling the start of preparations for one of international baseball’s premier events. According to Cuban journalist Yusseff Díaz, only one active MLB player has been included so far: Daysbel Hernández, a right-handed reliever with the Atlanta Braves.
While the limited MLB presence stands out, the early roster is headlined by one of the most dominant pitchers in Japanese baseball.
Liván Moinelo Emerges as Cuba’s Ace
The biggest name on Cuba’s preliminary roster is left-hander Liván Moinelo of the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks. Already a key bullpen arm for Cuba at the 2023 World Baseball Classic, Moinelo has since transformed into one of Nippon Professional Baseball’s elite starting pitchers.
During the 2024 NPB season, Moinelo posted a stellar 1.88 ERA, striking out 155 batters across 163 innings. He elevated his performance even further in 2025, recording a remarkable 1.46 ERA with 172 strikeouts in 167 innings. His dominance carried into the postseason, where he delivered seven strong innings in a decisive Climax Series game against the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, allowing just one run to send SoftBank to the Japan Series.
Moinelo continued to shine in the Japan Series, holding the Hanshin Tigers to one run over six innings in Game 3 as SoftBank surged ahead. The Hawks ultimately captured the championship in five games, adding another title to their storied history.
With Cuba lacking established MLB starters, Moinelo is widely expected to anchor the rotation and serve as the team’s ace at the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Offensive Questions Remain for Cuba
While the pitching staff is beginning to take shape, uncertainty still surrounds Cuba’s lineup. Reports indicate that Andy Pagés of the Los Angeles Dodgers will not participate, while the status of Yoán Moncada, a key contributor in 2023, remains unconfirmed.
One offensive cornerstone already locked in is outfielder Yoelkis Guibert, widely regarded as one of the top hitters in Cuban domestic baseball. In the most recent Serie Nacional season, Guibert delivered an outstanding .346/.523/.794 slash line with 12 home runs, 36 RBIs, and an exceptional 42-to-13 walk-to-strikeout ratio. The only hitter who matched his statistical impact was teammate Yoel Yanqui, who has also reportedly secured a spot on the roster.
Guibert previously represented Cuba at the 2023 World Baseball Classic, where he hit 6-for-18 with an .844 OPS and two RBIs, establishing himself as a reliable option on the international stage. He is expected to be a regular starter again in 2026.
Notable Absences and Declined Invitations
Despite earlier commitments, Lázaro Estrada of the Toronto Blue Jays and minor leaguer Jorge Marcheco have both declined invitations to join the national team.
Pool A Challenge in San Juan
Cuba will compete in Pool A, hosted at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan from March 6–11, 2026. The pool features Puerto Rico, Panama, Canada, and Colombia, making it one of the tournament’s most competitive groups.
The opening matchup against Panama will mark Cuba’s first World Baseball Classic game played in North America since 2009, adding extra significance to the contest.
Cuba’s Reported 18-Man Roster (So Far)
Designated Hitter
- Alfredo Despaigne
Catchers
- Andrys Pérez
- Omar Hernández
Infielders
- Yiddi Cappe
- Alexander Vargas
- Yoel Yanqui
Outfielders
- Yoelkis Guibert
- Roel Santos
Pitchers
- Josimar Cousin
- Emmanuel Chapman
- Daysbel Hernández
- Denny Larrondo
- Raidel Martínez
- Liván Moinelo
- Darien Núñez
- Julio Robaina
- Osiel Rodríguez
- Pedro Santos
As roster construction continues, all eyes will remain on whether Cuba can add more MLB talent, and whether Liván Moinelo can carry his dominant NPB form onto baseball’s biggest international stage.