“When you put those four letters -- CUBA -- on your chest, it means a lot. It’s very emotional. For me, it’s also about my dad. Playing for Cuba was his dream for me. He told me that if I ever had the opportunity, I should take it. That’s one of the main reasons I’m playing in my second World Baseball Classic.”
From a young age, Yoán Moncada learned the game from his father, Manuel, and spent his days chasing baseballs.
“My dad was very good at baseball," Moncada said. "But after graduating from high school, he chose not to continue in the domestic league and instead pursued a career as an engineer. He taught me everything about the game and helped me take my very first steps.”
The Classic commands widespread attention across the country as well, drawing the eyes of fans at home and abroad. For young supporters -- especially children who dream of playing the game -- the Cuban national team represents pride and possibility.
With that admiration comes expectation. The pressure is real, but so is the motivation it provides.
“It’s very important to play for the team and also for ourselves,” Moncada said.
Moncada broke into the Major Leagues with the Red Sox at age 21 before going on to spend eight seasons with the White Sox. He delivered a breakout campaign in 2019, slashing .315/.367/.548 with 25 home runs and a .915 OPS, finishing 21st in American League MVP voting. In the seasons since, injuries have limited his availability and impacted his production.
His father, who was overjoyed when Moncada reached the big leagues, continues to follow his son’s career from afar, watching games online and offering advice when he can. He has yet to see him play in person.
“He has never been here to watch me play in person. I hope one day he can come, but it’s a process. My mom and younger sister are also in Cuba,” Moncada said, a faint smile crossing his face.
Each offseason, Moncada returns home to Cuba for about a month. He spends time with family and enjoys home-cooked meals and endless baseball conversations. It serves as his reset, a chance to recharge before the grind of another season.
In preparation for the Classic, Team Cuba will play a pair of exhibition games against the Royals and Reds in Arizona before traveling to Puerto Rico. Although the players spend most of the year competing in different countries and for different organizations, they remain in close contact through a dedicated group chat. From coordinating workout schedules to organizing team dinners, the thread has become a space to build chemistry -- with plenty of humor mixed in.
While much of the attention naturally centers on the Major League contingent, Moncada identifies left-hander Liván Moinelo as a pivotal piece.
“I think Moinelo is going to be important for us,” Moncada said. “He’s pitched in Japan and has experience in international tournaments. We have a lot of good players. Maybe we’re not considered the best team in the Classic, but our mentality is to win games. That’s what matters."
Cuba’s best finish in tournament history came in the inaugural 2006 edition, when it reached the championship game. In the most recent tourney, the club advanced to the semifinals. This time, the objective is to push even further.
“You enjoy moments like singing the national anthem. It’s a short tournament, so every game matters, and the goal is to reach the final and win. I just try to enjoy every game and every opportunity I get,” Moncada said.
Backed by his Major League experience, pride in representing his country, the bond he shares with his teammates and the support of his family, Moncada once again steps onto the global stage wearing Cuba across his chest.