Team Cuba recorded another notable absence ahead of the 2026 World Baseball Classicafter the absence of the young pitching prospect was confirmed Silvano Hechavarría in the tournament.
Según informed journalist Francys Romero about his social mediathe Cuban right-handed pitcher —considered the Toronto Blue Jays’ No. 25 prospect— had intended to join the national selection to compete in Puerto Rico, but ultimately will not be able to do so due to physical problems that still limit his recovery.
Romero clarified that the 22-year-old Serpentinero does not yet have a definitive date to return to actively pitching in games, therefore his organization has decided to prioritize his health and preparation ahead of the season.
Ongoing recovery and progressive return
According to sources, Hechavarría will begin a bullpen program in March, as part of his phased return to the mound.
The news represents another blow to the Cuban pitching corps, which has suffered several losses of young players and league players in recent weeks, affecting the makeup of the roster ahead of international baseball’s most challenging event.
A brilliant 2025 in the youth team
Silvano was coming off a breakout 2025 season within Toronto’s minor league system. In total, he recorded: 3 wins and 0 losses, 3.22 earned run average (ERA), 86.2 innings pitched, 82 strikeouts and a .222 ERA
His numbers were spread across Rookie, Class A and Advanced Class A, solidifying him as one of the Cuban pitchers with the most potential within the Canadian organization.
Cuba continues to accumulate absences
Hechavarría’s departure adds to a complex scenario for the Cuban Federation, which continues to see several talents prioritize their professional commitments or remain outside the national team.
The 2026 World Cup will take place in March, with Cuba placed in the group that will play in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where they will try to repeat or surpass their performance from the previous edition, when they reached the semi-finals.
For now, the selection will have to review its launch plans again in a landscape increasingly marked by absences.
