Just weeks after Cuba's participation in the VI World Baseball Classic 2026, at least ten players from the national team are dealing with significant setbacks, including suspensions, releases, injuries, or personal absences, according to a report by Pelota Cubana.
An Unexpected Doping Scandal
The most high-profile case is that of Alexei Ramírez, who tested positive for doping during the World Baseball Classic. His sample revealed the presence of four anabolic steroids—mesterolone, metandienone, oxandrolone, and stanozolol.
The International Testing Agency (ITA), responsible for the anti-doping program of the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC), announced the results today and imposed a mandatory provisional suspension.
Finding four steroids in one sample is rare and, according to the ITA, "suggests a systematic use of these substances."
Ramírez, at 44, became the oldest player to participate in a World Classic and had returned to the Cuban team after more than two decades away from international competition. The former Chicago White Sox shortstop can request the analysis of the B sample.
Releases and Career Uncertainty
Among those released is Yiddi Cappe, who was let go by the Miami Marlins on March 27, despite being Cuba's starting second baseman in the tournament, where he hit .250 with two doubles and a triple.
Similarly, Alexander Vargas was dismissed by the Cincinnati Reds yesterday, even though he averaged .339 in Double-A during the season. Vargas joined the Reds in August 2025 after being released by the New York Yankees.
Roel Santos faced a similar fate, being released by the Olmecas de Tabasco in the Mexican Baseball League.
Malcom Núñez declared himself a free agent in the Minor Leagues on February 5 and has yet to find a new team, while Josimar Cousín also remains without a professional baseball organization.
Injuries and Personal Setbacks
The injury list adds to the gloomy picture. Darien Núñez will undergo surgery and miss the entire 2026 season. Erisbel Arruebarrena is absent from the Cuban Elite League due to injury.
Veteran slugger Alfredo Despaigne, at 39, is also not participating in domestic competition, citing personal reasons.
The list concludes with Yoan López, who has been suspended in Mexico since August 2025 after assaulting an umpire during the playoffs with the Algodoneros de Unión Laguna. The punishment, which involved a fine and exclusion from the rest of the postseason, was imposed following video analysis and umpire reports.
Cuba's participation in the VI World Classic came after months of negotiations, with the Cuban Baseball Federation confirming attendance in December 2025.
Cuba was placed in Group A along with Puerto Rico, Canada, Panama, and Colombia, competing in the group stage from March 6 to 11 in San Juan. Ultimately, the team was eliminated in the first round, finishing with two wins and two losses.
Cuban Baseball Players Facing Challenges
What were the consequences of Alexei Ramírez's doping scandal?
Alexei Ramírez was handed a mandatory provisional suspension following the detection of four anabolic steroids in his system. This incident has raised questions about systematic doping practices.
Which Cuban players were released from their teams?
Players like Yiddi Cappe, Alexander Vargas, and Roel Santos were released from their respective teams, Miami Marlins, Cincinnati Reds, and Olmecas de Tabasco, despite their performances.
How did injuries affect the Cuban baseball team?
Injuries have sidelined players like Darien Núñez, who will miss the 2026 season, and Erisbel Arruebarrena, who is not participating in the Cuban Elite League.