This past Sunday, the Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation (FCBS) announced the national team roster that will represent Cuba at the upcoming America's Cup of Baseball. The tournament is set to take place in Panama from November 13 to 22 and will serve as a precursor to future continental events.
The team, consisting of 27 players including catchers, infielders, outfielders, and pitchers, will begin its training camp this Tuesday in the city of Matanzas, where they will prepare before heading to Panama. This was reported by the digital platform JIT.
A Blend of Experience and International Talent
The official lineup features three catchers, six infielders, five outfielders, and thirteen pitchers, many of whom have gained experience in foreign leagues. Notable players include Alfredo Despaigne, Yoelkis Guibert, Roel Santos, Yoennis Yera, and Bárbaro Arruebarruena, all of whom have international careers. The team will be managed by Germán Mesa.
Several players currently contracted abroad—in countries like Japan, Venezuela, and Nicaragua—will also join the squad, adding to the team's diverse makeup.
Training and Competitive Schedule
Cuba's training will commence under the guidance of Germán Mesa Fresneda, with a technical team led by Pedro Luis Lazo (pitching), Omar Linares (offense), and Noelvis González (bench coach). A press conference will be held on Monday at 11:00 a.m. in the Adolfo Luque Room of the Latin American Stadium in Havana to provide further details.
In the group stage, Cuba will compete in Group A alongside Nicaragua (13), Venezuela (14), the Dominican Republic (15), Mexico (16), and Curaçao (17). Group B will consist of Panama, Canada, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Brazil, and Argentina. The top three teams from each group will advance to the final round, which will occur from November 19 to 22.
Official Cuban Team Roster
Catchers (3):
- Andrys Pérez García (MTZ)
- Andy Yaniel Cosme Oliva (ART)
- Raidel Abel Sánchez Trutié (SCU)
Infielders (6):
- Bárbaro Erisbel Arruebarruena Escalante (CFG)
- Cristian Rodríguez García (VCL/Japan)
- Luis Vicente Mateo Terry (CFG)
- Tailon Sánchez Díaz (PRI)
- Alexei Ramírez Rodríguez (PRI)
- Yoel Yanqui Vera (SCU/Nicaragua)
Outfielders (5):
- Yoelkis Guibert Stevens (SCU/Nicaragua)
- Roel Santos Martínez (GRA/Venezuela)
- Alfredo Despaigne Rodríguez (GRA)
- Leonel Moas Acevedo (CMG)
- Francisco José Martínez García (SCU)
Pitchers (13):
- Pavel Hernández Bruces (IND)
- Frank Luis Medina García (PRI)
- Darío Sarduy Medina (VCL/Japan)
- Yoennis Yera Montalvo (MTZ/Venezuela)
- Armando Dueñas Moré (MTZ/Nicaragua)
- Yunier Batista Ramírez (CAV)
- José Ignacio Bermúdez García (MAY)
- Yunieski García Viera (ART)
- Yusniel Padrón Artiles (HAB/Venezuela)
- Randy Román Martínez Pacheco (PRI/Japan)
- Yadián Martínez Pérez (MAY)
- Michel Cabrera Rodríguez (HOL)
- Geonel Gutiérrez Jiménez (ART)
Matanzas as the Launchpad
With Matanzas as the hub for training, the coaching staff aims to enhance team cohesion, boost offensive strategies, and establish a stable pitching rotation in preparation for the challenging schedule in Panama. The match against Nicaragua will be a significant test to assess the current state of Cuban baseball and its competitive edge on the continental stage.
Key Details About Cuba's Participation in the 2025 America's Cup
When will the Cuba national baseball team start their training?
The team will begin their training camp on Tuesday in Matanzas.
Who will manage the Cuban team during the tournament?
The team will be managed by Germán Mesa.
What is the structure of the tournament's group stage?
In the group stage, Cuba will be in Group A, facing teams like Nicaragua, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic, among others.
Which players are notable in the Cuban roster?
Alfredo Despaigne, Yoelkis Guibert, Roel Santos, Yoennis Yera, and Bárbaro Arruebarruena are some of the standout players.