Germán Mesa has been appointed manager of Cuba’s national baseball team for the VI World Baseball Classic scheduled from 5th to 17th March 2026.

Humberto Guevara, Technical Chief of the Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation (FCBS), announced the decision during a press conference at the Adolfo Luque Hall of Havana’s Estadio Latinoamericano.

The 58-year-old Mesa will retain the role through at least 2028, assuming responsibility for leading the national squad in major international competitions throughout this period.

The legendary number 11 – regarded among Cuba’s most spectacular shortstops – previously served as bench coach during Cuba’s commendable fourth-place finish at the 2023 World Baseball Classic (falling to the United States in semi-finals), and reprised the role in the Premier 12 tournament where Cuba placed last alongside Puerto Rico.

«Whenever I take the field, I go out to win against whoever stands in my way,» Mesa declared months prior in a Prensa Latina exclusive, affirming his competitive ethos.

Beyond his playing legacy, Mesa managed Industriales to their 2010 domestic title (the iconic club’s most recent championship), later securing four Nicaraguan league titles abroad plus runner-up finishes in Mexico and Panama.

Currently FCBS Vice President, the «Wizard» or «Magnet» – as he’s nicknamed – bases his managerial approach on observational acumen and experience gained working with athletes and coaches from professional circuits, including American leagues.

Among his foremost challenges will be recruiting Cuba-based players alongside overseas-based professionals, including Major League Baseball (MLB) athletes, to maximise national team strength. Equally crucial will be restoring Cuba’s diminished prominence in international competitions.