Headlined by MLB star Yoan Moncada of the Chicago White Sox, the Cuban Baseball Federation (FCB) announced this Wednesday their preliminary roster for the upcoming Premier 12 Baseball Tournament, a crucial event on this year's international calendar.
The list of 60 athletes features seasoned veterans with experience in international competitions, as well as young prospects who have shined in recent seasons of the National Series on the island. Among the standout players are Moncada, Alfredo Despaigne, Liván Moinelo, and Raidel Martínez. Notably absent is the versatile Yurisbel Gracial, currently contracted in Mexico.
The preliminary squad, which will train under the guidance of manager Armando Johnson, includes six catchers, 15 infielders, 14 outfielders, and 25 pitchers.
Competition Schedule
The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) announced in May the competitive schedule for the tournament, set to take place from November 10 to 24. Cuba will debut against the Dominican Republic as part of Group B stationed in Taiwan.
The Cuban team, three-time Olympic gold medalists and runners-up in the inaugural World Baseball Classic (2006), will face the Dominican squad on Wednesday, November 13, at Tianmu Stadium. The following day, they will play against South Korea at the same venue.
After a rest day on Friday, November 15, Cuba will compete against Australia on Saturday, followed by a match against reigning champions Japan on Sunday, at the Shilin District's sports park in Taipei's capital. The Caribbean squad will conclude the elimination round against the host team at the Taipei Dome on Monday, November 18.
In Group A, Mexico, the United States, Venezuela, the Netherlands, Panama, and Puerto Rico will compete from November 10 to 14 at the "Pan American Stadium Charros de Jalisco" in Guadalajara and the "Santa Teresita de Tepic" in Nayarit, both Mexican cities.
According to the competitive system, the top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Round, held from November 21 to 23 at the prestigious Tokyo Dome in Japan. The leaders of this stage will compete for the title, while the third and fourth-placed teams will battle for the bronze medals.
The Premier 12, WBSC's main event, is the most significant baseball tournament of 2024. The 12 participating teams qualified based on the world ranking. Cuba secured its spot by ranking eighth, with the cutoff date being December 31, 2023.
The previous edition, held in 2019, resulted in poor outcomes for Cuba, as they were eliminated early: suffering two shutouts out of three games, scoring only two runs, and failing to secure any extra-base hits. Cuban batters struck out 28 times, with only four walks.
Preliminary Roster for Premier 12
Catchers (6): Andrys Perez, Andy Cosme, Ariel Martínez, Jorge Yoan Rojas, Rafael Viñales, Yosvani Alarcón
Infielders (15): Bárbaro E. Arruebarruena, Luis Vicente Mateo, Christian Rodriguez, Roberto Baldoquín, Yadil Mujica, Yulieski Remón, Alexei Ramírez, Osvaldo Abreu, Jean Walters, Tailon Sánchez, Ernesto W. Martínez, William Saavedra, Guillermo Avilés, Dayán García, Yoan Moncada*
Outfielders (14): Yoelkis Guibert, Lázaro Armenteros, Jorge Noroña, Alfredo Despaigne, Dennis Peña, Roel Santos, Raico Santos, Yasser Julio González, Over Luis Cremet, Francisco Martínez, Ariel Hechevarría, Yadir Drake, Eduardo Blanco, Carlos de la Tejera
Pitchers (25): Livan Moinelo, Raidel Martínez, Yoennis Yera, Yoan López, Geonel Gutiérrez, Yankiel Mauris, Frank Abel Álvarez, Raymond Figueredo, Yosiel Serrano, Leodán Reyes, Osdany Rodríguez, Andy Vargas, Frank Luis Medina, Erlys Casanova, Dario Sarduy, Yusniel Padrón, Pável Hernández, Ronald Bolaños, Frank Herrera, Maykel Taylor, Enyer Fernández, Randy Martínez, Branlis Rodríguez, Randy Cueto, Danny Betancourt
Manager: Armando Johnson
*Players with contracts outside the Cuban Baseball Federation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's Premier 12 Roster
We've compiled some common questions and answers regarding Cuba's preliminary roster for the Premier 12 Baseball Tournament.
Who is leading Cuba's team in the Premier 12 tournament?
The team is headlined by MLB star Yoan Moncada of the Chicago White Sox.
When will Cuba debut in the Premier 12 tournament?
Cuba will debut against the Dominican Republic on November 13 at Tianmu Stadium in Taiwan.
How did Cuba perform in the last Premier 12 tournament?
Cuba had a poor performance in the 2019 edition, being eliminated early and failing to secure any extra-base hits.