Cespedes in the 2009 Classic. Photo: José L. Anaya (JIT)

Havana, November 19 (RHC)-- The Cuban Baseball Federation (FCB) today confirmed three new international players with a view to the pre-selection towards the V World Baseball Classic, whose actions will start on March 8, 2023. 

"In the last few hours director Armando Johnson has received positive responses from Yoan Moncada (Chicago White Sox), Yoenis Cespedes (Aguilas Cibaeñas) and Onelkis Garcia (Aguilas Cibaeñas) with a view to Cuba's pre-selection to the V World Baseball Classic," the entity published via Twitter. 

"We appreciate the willingness expressed by these players, and others who have established communication with Johnson and other coaches and managers to express their desire to be taken into account. We continue to work," FCB added.

In previous days, the entity confirmed positive responses from Andy Ibanez (Detroit Tigers), Yoan Lopez (New York Mets) and Elian Leyva (Naranjeros de Hermosillo), so that there are now six athletes called to the preparation that do not play in teams and leagues on the island.

This action takes place in a context of harassment, threats and pressures so that the players of interest renounce to the invitation of the FCB. This unfortunate position is led by the delegitimized Association of Cuban Professional Ballplayers, based in Florida, United States. 

The FCB has insisted that it would form a team with stars from its elite league plus others who play in Major League Baseball and other professional circuits.

Cuba will debut in the V Classic on March 8 against the Netherlands. It will then face Italy (9), Panama (10) and the host of the A key, Taiwan (12). The Taichung Stadium, in the city of Taipei, will be the venue for these actions.