Jonathan Moreno and Yaidel Ruiz highlight Cuba's roster for WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup 2025

Cuba completed the selection process and announced the 20-player roster for the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup 2025 presented by RAXUS. Manager Abeicy Pantoja, who won Cuba's Serie Nacional (National League) as both a player and manager, made his final decision after a lengthy selection process that identified the most talented U-18 Cuban players by competing against the top teams of the National League.

"We had an excellent preparation," Pantoya told the local press. "I believe the players are motivated and willing to do their best for Cuba. Unity and commitment will be our strengths."

Two players stand out on the Cuban roster. Captain and shortstop Jonathan Moreno has been a Serie Nacional everyday player for Villa Clara and is on the radar of the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). Catcher Yaidel Ruiz made his National League debut at 15 for Mayabeque. He helped Cuba to a silver medal at the WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup 2022.

Frederich Cepeda Jr. is a switch-hitting outfielder who starred at the Cuban Youth Championship. He is the son of 2004 Athens Olympics gold medallist Frederich Cepeda.

The 20-player roster

PITCHERS (7) Leandro Forteza (Sancti Spíritus), Jesús López (Sancti Spíritus), Marlon García (Pinar del Río), Diosdenys Pentón (Villa Clara), Edurman Cruz (Camagüey), Edenis Cruz (Camagüey), Richard Bouquet (Holguín).
CATCHERS (2) Yaidel Ruiz (Mayabeque), Jochey Ray Jiménez (Sancti Spíritus).
INFIELDERS (6) Javier Zambrano (Camagüey), Samuel Matos (Santiago de Cuba), Leandro Pérez (Sancti Spíritus), Jonathan Moreno (Villa Clara), Duliesky Ferrán (La Habana), Dainiel Santos (Villa Clara).
OUTFIELDERS (5) Yoan Águila (Villa Clara), Frederich Cepeda Jr. (Sancti Spíritus), Juan Pablo Gutiérrez (La Habana), Yordan Artiles (Cienfuegos), Dairon Suárez (Las Tunas).

Pantoja's staff includes bench coach Alexis Belén, pitching coaches Yoan Mollinedo and Orelvis Ávila, third base coach David Pérez, and first base coach Alexis Moré.

Japan will host the XXXII WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup 2025 presented by RAXUS in Naha and Itoman, Okinawa Prefecture, from September 5 to 14.

World No. 12 Cuba will compete in Group A and face No. 1 and defending World Champions Japan, No. 4 Korea, No. 14 Italy, No. 7 Puerto Rico and No. 26 South Africa.

Group B includes No. 3 USA, No. 10 Australia, No. 9 Panama, No. 19 China, No. 18 Germany, and No. 2 Chinese Taipei