Cuba received its gift from Child Jesus this December 24, 2022, just months after the fifth installment of the World Baseball Classicwhich will take place in March 2023.
The Cuban Baseball Federation received the license to have Major League players to play in the national team tournament, sanctioned by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC).
It will be the first time in five installments that the Island will play the contest with its stars that see action in organized baseball in the United States.
“We have received a communication from the organizers of the Clásico announcing that the license requested by them was granted so that the Cuba team can register Cuban athletes, whether they are from MLB or not, who have residence in the United States”reported Juan Reinaldo Pérez Pardo, president of the Cuban Baseball Federation (FCB).
Without a doubt, it is one of the great news that baseball in that country has received, which with the integration of its bigleaguers could be considered a firm candidate to win the World Baseball Classic.
It should be remembered that Cuba was not allowed to incorporate its Major League Baseball players in previous competitions due to various restrictions in force for many years.
Now with the permission granted, the island’s national team will be able to great MLB figures such as the brothers Gurriel (Yuli and Lourdes), Jose Abreu, Yasmani Grandal and Jordan Alvarezthe latter came third in the voting for the MVP in the 2022 season.
Before the license was released, Yoan Lopez and Andy Ibanez they had already announced their interest in representing the Cuban team. Both players were present in the Majors in 2022 with the Detroit Tigers and New York Mets, respectively.
However, other big leaguers like Randy Arozarena (Mexico) and Néstor Cortés (United States) they decided to represent other teams due to the uncertainty about whether or not they could participate with their country.
Cuba will be integrating Pool A together with Chinese Taipei, the Netherlands, Italy and Panama. Those led by Armando Johnson will be playing the first round at the Intercontinental Stadium in Taichung, Taiwan, from March 8 to 13.
