Repping Team Cuba 'surreal experience' for White Sox duo

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Neither Yoán Moncada nor Luis Robert Jr. seemed particularly excited for the 14-hour flight to Taiwan they were preparing to take Thursday.

The experience awaiting them once they get there, however, is one they have each been dreaming about for years.

Both White Sox stars will be representing Team Cuba at this year’s World Baseball Classic, marking the first time since the WBC began in 2006 that Major League players will be eligible to play for the Cuban squad.

? 2023 World Baseball Classic rules and regulations

“I never thought that I would have the chance to play and represent the Cuban national team once I got here, because I was here and I knew all of the restrictions,” Moncada said through an interpreter after the White Sox lost, 9-6, to the Guardians in a game called in the top of the ninth due to inclement weather. “I'm very glad that I have this opportunity right now, and I am very hopeful that this is a first step for the Cuban players that are in the Major Leagues to represent their country in future tournaments.”

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Both Robert and Moncada played for Cuba’s U-15 and U-18 national teams as teenagers, even playing on the same team at a tournament in Taiwan in 2016. The idea of playing in the WBC seemed unrealistic once they defected, leaving them as spectators in 2017.

Even last year, it seemed far-fetched to think that big league players would be permitted to play in 2023 for Cuba, which required special permission from the U.S. to participate for their home country.

Yet in January, that permission was granted, though players such as Moncada and Robert were not allowed to travel to Cuba to work out with the team prior to the event.

“Honestly, that thought never crossed my mind,” Robert said through an interpreter when asked if he ever thought he would be able to play for Team Cuba. “It had never happened before, so now that it's happening, I just feel proud and very glad that I’m going to be part of the team now -- especially being a Major Leaguer.”

Robert recalled gazing at the national team’s airplane during his youth, likely fantasizing about one day having a seat of his own. He won’t be traveling to Taiwan with the team -- he and Moncada have their own lengthy trip Thursday that includes three separate flights -- but the prospect of slipping back into the Cuban uniform will make that trek worthwhile.

“I'm pretty sure that's going to be incredible,” Robert said. “The last time that I wore the Cuban national team uniform was six or seven years ago. It has been a long time since I did it; having the chance to do it this time in the World Baseball Classic is going to be very special.”

Manager Pedro Grifol has been incredibly impressed with both players this spring, and while he admitted to being “a little nervous” that the pair will be playing so far away from White Sox camp, he believes both Moncada and Robert are ready for what he called “tough baseball.”

“It’s been a really good camp for both those guys,” Grifol said. “Those guys are ready to go play tough baseball and baseball with some urgency. In the WBC, that’s what’s going to happen.”

To this point, there hasn’t been much trash talk between Moncada and Robert with their Chicago teammates representing other countries, though that is certain to change if Cuba emerges from Pool A over the next two weeks and earns a trip to Miami for the semifinals.

“It’s pressure baseball; you're talking about countries playing against countries,” Grifol said. “There are some bragging rights in the clubhouses, there's some bragging rights across the league. It’s an exciting time.”

Moncada said his father has wanted to see his son play for the Cuban team in the WBC for several years, as have many people from his hometown of Cienfuegos.

“It means a lot to me,” Moncada said. “This wasn’t just a dream for me, but for those people too. … I’m pretty sure that is going to be a surreal experience for me.

“It's going to be definitely one of the best experiences I will ever have in my life. I’m ready to take full advantage of it.”