German Mesa was appointed manager of the Cuban team to play in the VI World Baseball Classic, scheduled for March 5-17, 2026, announced Humberto Guevara, head coach of the Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation (FCBS).

Mesa, 58, will hold the position until at least 2028 and will be in charge of leading the Cuban team in major international competitions during that period.

The legendary number 11, considered one of the most spectacular shortstops of the Cuban Baseball League, served as bench coach in the last World Baseball Classic (2023), where Cuba achieved a praiseworthy fourth place after losing to the United States in the semifinals, and he repeated his duties in the Premier 12, where the team finished in last place alongside Puerto Rico.

In addition to his sports career, Mesa led Havana’s Industriales squad to the crown in 2010 and later triumphed abroad with four championships in Nicaragua, in addition to winning runner-up titles in Mexico and Panama leagues.

Mesa, current vice president of the FCBS, asserted that his style is based on observation and the experience gained over years of working with athletes and coaches who have performed in professional baseball, including the American circuit.

Among his major challenges will be recruiting Cuban players who reside over and play abroad, including those in Major League Baseball (MLB), with the goal of maximizing the national roster.

Another key challenge will be regaining the prominence Cuba has lost in recent international events.