The Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation announced today its 24-player roster for the VI U-23 Baseball World Cup, hosted by Nicaragua from November 6 to 15.

The team, managed by experienced Havana strategist Guillermo Carmona, consists of two catchers, six infielders, five outfielders, and 11 pitchers.

Among those selected for the global tournament, nine participated in last year's continental qualifying event, and two—shortstop Jonathan Moreno and pitcher Randy Román Martínez—possess professional experience in Nippon Professional Baseball's minor leagues.

The position players also feature Jean Lucas Baldoquín, who stood out during the two training camps, and Juan Manuel Pérez, who set the Cuban National Series record for most doubles in a single game ("five") during the current season.

The pitching staff includes five returnees from the previous Pan American tournament in this age category. Joining Randy Román are returning pitchers José Ignacio Bermúdez, Fher Cejas, Lee Andy Plumas, and Riquelme Odelín.

Notable absences from the pitching staff include Havana's Rafael Perdomo, who is currently undergoing arm-strengthening treatment, and Villa Clara left-hander Darío Sarduy, who suffered an injury during his stint in Japanese professional baseball's farm system.

Alain Álvarez Moya, national methodology specialist for the U-23 category, reported that the squad will assemble tomorrow, Wednesday, in Havana. Starting Thursday, the team will conduct its final training sessions prior to its departure on November 4.

Cuba will open tournament play on November 6 against South Korea, a team boasting two World Cup medals in this category ("silver in 2022 and bronze in 2016").

A day later, Carmona's squad will face South Africa, followed by a matchup on November 8 against Japan, a three-time world champion in the division ("2016, 2022, and 2024").

On November 9, Cuba will face Venezuela—another former world champion ("2021")—before concluding the preliminary round against Great Britain on November 10.

The opposing group features Australia, Czechia, Panama, Puerto Rico, Chinese Taipei, and the host nation, Nicaragua.

Only the top three teams from each group will advance to the Super Round, scheduled for November 12 to 14, which will take place concurrently with the Placement Round for seventh through 12th places.

On Sunday, November 15, the schedule features the bronze medal game between the third and fourth-place finishers of the Super Round, culminating in the World Cup championship game between the top two teams.

Cuba aims to secure its first medal in U-23 World Cup history after placing fourth in 2021, dropping to 10th in the following edition, and failing to qualify for the 2016, 2018, and 2024 tournaments.

The historical medal table is led by Japan with three gold medals and one silver ("3-1-0"), followed by Mexico ("1-1-0"), Venezuela ("1-0-1"), South Korea ("0-1-1"), Australia and Puerto Rico ("0-1-0"), while Colombia, Chinese Taipei, and Nicaragua each hold one bronze medal.

Cuba Roster for the U-23 World Cup

Catchers: Carlos Chávez (SSP) and Yaidel Ruiz (MAY).

Infielders: Rafael De Jesús Álvarez (CMG), Jean Lucas Baldoquín (LTU), Juan Manuel Pérez (PRI), Carlos Alberto Nieto (LHA), Jonathan Moreno (VCL), and Leonardo Adrián Alarcón (GRA).

Outfielders: Hanyelo Videt (MTZ), Yassel Conrado Izaguirre (LTU), Ernesto Pérez (GRA), Frank David González Cuéllar (IJV), and Andrys Adrian Agüero Fuentes (HOL).

Pitchers: José Ignacio Bermúdez (MAY), Randy Román Martínez (PRI), Fher Cejas (LHA), Daniel Alejandro García (ART), Lee Andy Plumas (LHA), Riquelme Odelín (CMG), Silvio Bruno Iturralde (MTZ), Kevin Manuel Hernández (CFG), Omar David Pérez (VCL), Yosney García (MTZ), and Cristian Rojas (VCL).

Manager: Guillermo Carmona (LHA).