2024 PREMIER12
Cuba in the Premier12: Calendar, games, scores, roster and players
The great Cuban teams of the past have been a distant memory of late, but this crop of talent aims to right that situation, and they feel their time has come.
Cuba’s national baseball team is geared up to compete in the 2024 WBSC Premier12, with high hopes pinned on their mix of experienced international stars and promising young talent. Led by team captain Alfredo Despaigne, a decorated veteran with four Japan Series titles and a storied international career, the Cuban squad is expected to deliver intense competition in Group B.
Roster Highlights
The team’s lineup features some major names. Yoan Moncada, who has amassed over 740 games in Major League Baseball, stands out as the marquee player. Joining him are other notables like shortstop Erisbel Arruebarruena, who brings MLB experience, and versatile catcher Ariel Martínez, who recently hit 13 home runs in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league.
The Cuban pitching staff, meanwhile, is headlined by standout NPB talents. Liván Moinelo, known for his prowess with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, and Chunichi Dragons closer Raidel Martínez provide a formidable one-two punch out of the bullpen. Manager Armando Johnson has a support staff rich in experience, featuring Cuban baseball legends such as Germán Mesa and Pedro Lazo.
Complete Roster
- Pitchers (13): Liván Moinelo, Raidel Martínez, Leodán Reyes, Yoennis Yera, Geonel Gutiérrez, Yankiel Mauris, Frank Abel Álvarez, Raymond Figueredo, Andy Vargas, Frank Luis Medina, Darío Sarduy, Yusniel Padrón, Pavel Hernández.
- Catchers (3): Andrys Pérez, Andy Yaniel Cosme, Rafael Viñales.
- Infielders (7): Ariel Martínez, Bárbaro Erisbel Arruebarruena, Christian Leandro Rodríguez, Yoan Moncada, Roberto Súliban Baldoquín, Yadil Mujica, Jean Harvi Walters.
- Outfielders (5): Yoelkis Guibert, Lázaro Armenteros, Alfredo Despaigne, Roel Santos, Yadir Drake.
Full Schedule for Cuba in Group B
- Wednesday, Nov 13, 5:30 AM: Domincan Republic vs. Cuba, Tianmu Stadium
- Thursday, Nov 14, 5 AM: Cuba vs. Korea, Tianmu Stadium
- Saturday, Nov 15, 11PM: Australia vs Cuba, Tianmu Stadium
- Sunday, Nov 16, 5 AM: Cuba vs. Japan, Tianmu Stadium
- Monday, Nov 18, 5 AM: Cuba vs. Chinese Taipei, Taipei Dome
Cuba will face some of the toughest teams in Group B, including world No. 1 Japan and a strong Korean squad. To make it to the next stage, they’ll need consistent performances from their seasoned players and an extra push from rising talents.