Moinelo’s trail went cold following Cuba’s final Pool A matchup against Canada on March 11. Since that game, the Hawks had been unable to establish contact with their ace, a situation Hawks manager Hiroki Kokubo confirmed to local Japanese media earlier this week.

“It seems we can’t get in touch with him,” Kokubo admitted, sparking concerns about the pitcher’s availability for Opening Day.

The communication breakdown appears rooted in the ongoing domestic crisis in Cuba. The island is currently grappling with widespread power grid failures and a severe aviation fuel shortage.

Moinelo and fellow Cuban standout Raidel Martinez are expected to touch down in Japan as early as tomorrow to rejoin their respective clubs ahead of the March 28 season opener.

Moinelo’s dominance in the NPB

The Hawks’ anxiety over Moinelo’s absence is well-founded. The southpaw is coming off a historic 2025 campaign where he established himself as the premier arm in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).

He even etched his name into the SoftBank record books last season, racking up a franchise-record 18 strikeouts in a single eight-inning outing.

• 2025 Regular Season Stats:
  • ERA: 1.46 (1st in League)
  • Wins: 12 (Tied-1st)
  • Strikeouts: 172 (2nd)
  • WHIP: 0.92 (1st)
  • Quality Starts: 21 of 24 (1st)

World Baseball Classic performance

Moinelo carried that momentum into international play, serving as the anchor of the Cuban staff during the World Baseball Classic. Facing elite global competition, he remained virtually untouchable.

• WBC Tournament Stats:
  • ERA: 0.00
  • Innings Pitched: 7.2
  • Strikeouts: 11
  • WHIP: 0.65
  • Opponent BA: .115

“I understand that with Opening Day a few days away, I don’t want it to be a distraction. Cal and I have talked and I apologized for what I said after the game. Nothing in the WBC takes away from the fact that we are brothers and teammates. He’s family, and we are both focused on helping the Mariners win the World Series,” Arozarena said in a statement.

Arozarena and Raleigh have known each other since 2024, when the Cuban outfielder joined the Mariners roster. Last MLB season, he posted a .238 batting average with 146 hits and RBIs. He ranked third on the team in home runs with 27, while Raleigh led the roster in that category with 60.

What happened between Raleigh and Arozarena?

For those who may not remember, on March 9 Team USA faced Mexico in the World Baseball Classic. Arozarena stepped up to bat and tried to shake Raleigh’s hand before the at-bat. The two looked at each other, but there was no handshake. The moment sparked widespread reaction, especially among Mexican media.

A day later, on March 10, Arozarena made some inappropriate comments about his teammate. Still, that same day Raleigh said there were no real issues between them and shared a message similar to what Arozarena expressed on March 21.

“Cal Raleigh issued a statement claiming he reached out to Randy Arozarena via text today. He took only one question, but wouldn’t say what ‘responsibility’ to Team USA prompted him to leave his Mariners teammate hanging. He claims he ‘loves’ Randy and that they are ‘family’,” wrote José de Jesús Ortiz on X on March 10 (@ortizkicks).

“It’s a for sure yes for me,” McLean answered a question on whether he’d accept an invite to Team USA for the next World Baseball Classic, via Anthony DiComo on X. That won’t be until 2030, though.

Although Team USA’s biggest weakness in the final against Venezuela was the lack of offensive production, McLean was self-critical after the World Baseball Classic loss. His teammates stood by his side, though, as Bryce Harper backed McLean after Team USA’s 3-2 loss at loanDepot park.

McLean’s numbers in WBC final

McLean was named the Stars and Stripes’ starter for the decisive game in Little Havana. The NY Mets’ starting pitcher was far from perfect against Venezuela national baseball team, but he wasn’t the sole reason for the American defeat, either. Still, he might be the easiest scapegoat for fans to blame.

Against Venezuela, McLean pitched 4.2 innings, allowing four hits, one walk, and two runs—including a solo home run. He finished the night with a 5.87 ERA and four strikeouts.

For contrast, during his rookie MLB season in 2025 McLean had never recorded an ERA above 2.06. Statistically, the WBC final against Venezuela was one of the worst games of his career.

McLean eyes 2030 WBC

There’s definitely lessons to be learned from the defeat, and the second-year ace will surely improve from this experience. McLean made it clear he won’t give up, and would gladly represent Team USA once again in the 2030 World Baseball Classic.

“I could’ve executed a little bit better. But he’s a really good player (Wilyer Abreu) at the same time. I would love to go back and make a different pitch obviously,” he said via SNY.

In the top of the 5th inning with the score 1-0, and after a called strike, McLean tried to challenge Abreu with a 96 mph fastball right down the middle, but the Venezuelan outfielder crushed a monstrous 412-foot home run to dead center field.

Another elusive final for Team USA

Following their loss 3-2 to Venezuela, Team USA has now faced two consecutive WBC final defeats, adding to their 2023 loss against Japan.

Despite these recent setbacks, they remain proud of their lone championship title earned in 2017 after defeating Puerto Rico, a title they will aim to replicate in 2030.

McLean already focused on the Mets

Despite Carlos Mendoza picking Venezuela over USA, the Mets manager showed himself very proud that Nolan McLean was the starting pitcher for his nation.

In Queens, they are waiting with open arms for one of their top prospects. In his 2025 debut season, McLean posted a 5-1 record with a 2.06 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP across 8 starts.

In 48 innings, he struck out 57 batters (10.7 K/9), becoming the first pitcher in franchise history to win each of his first four career starts.

“I’m still pissed about this,” Judge admitted, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, reflecting the raw emotions inside the clubhouse as players grappled with the outcome and the end of their WBC run.

Despite their struggles, Team USA showed flashes of competitiveness, though they recorded just three hits against Venezuela’s pitching staff and went 14 innings without a runner in scoring position.

Judge reflects on Team USA’s WBC campaign

“We came here, all of us put on this uniform, signed up to go out there and get a gold medal, and we fell short of that,” Judge said, highlighting the team’s high expectations and commitment, a sentiment consistent with his earlier comments about how World Baseball Classic crowds top the World Series.

The postgame scene underscored the emotional toll, as players stood silently watching Venezuela celebrate its first WBC title while processing their own disappointment.

Emotional intensity and fan support

Judge also praised the fans’ energy, describing the atmosphere as electric from the first pitch to the last. Even with that excitement, the disappointment of the loss lingered, and Judge made it clear that the frustration inside the clubhouse remained long after the final out.

“Whenever you get down 2-0 it’s tough, but I thought Mac threw the ball great. He’s a special talent. He’s going to be a special talent for a long time. We’ve got a lot of great young guys in there that are going to play again on this team,” the Phillies star said.

Mark DeRosa’s squad came up just short in a 3–2 defeat against its opponent, narrowly missing the opportunity to secure a second title in the tournament.

McLean’s performance in the final

In the WBC 2026, Nolan McLean delivered a strong performance, pitching 4.2 innings and allowing only 2 runs on 4 hits.

He showed great control with 4 strikeouts and just one walk, leaving the game with the score tied before Venezuela eventually secured the victory.

For its part, Bryce Harper proved why he is the veteran leader of this squad, going 2-for-4. His most critical contribution came in the 6th inning when he launched a clutch solo home run to tie the game at 2-2, providing the emotional spark Team USA needed on the world’s biggest stage.

Team USA’s young talent

Led by rising stars like Nolan McLean and Roman Anthony, Team USA’s future looks incredibly bright. Alongside established young talents such as Bobby Witt Jr. and Paul Skenes, these players represent a new generation of versatile, high-velocity athletes ready to reclaim international dominance for the United States.

Looking ahead to what’s next

Looking ahead, Team USA faces two major challenges on the international stage. First is the highly anticipated return of baseball to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where they will compete for gold as the host nation.

Following that, focus shifts to the 2030 World Baseball Classic, as the tournament officially moves to a four-year cycle, cementing its status as the premier global showcase for the sport.

According to MLB insider Bob Nightengale on “X”, DeRosa believes players would be far more prepared under that format. “They would be more prepared and more dialed in, and we’d be dealing with way less restrictions and way less guidelines on the pitching if it was moved to midseason. No question about it,” DeRosa said.

The conversation gains even more weight following Venezuela’s dramatic 3–2 victory over Team USA in the WBC final, a result that showcased both the tournament’s intensity and the limitations players face under the current early-season structure — especially for several Team USA players who lost WBC finals in both 2023 and 2026.

Midseason format could elevate competition

One of the biggest challenges of the current WBC format is the strict pitching restrictions tied to Spring Training readiness. Pitch counts typically begin at 65 during pool play and only increase gradually as the tournament progresses.

A midseason shift would eliminate the need for that ramp-up period, allowing pitchers to perform at full strength in high-pressure matchups—potentially improving the overall quality of games like the recent championship clash.

MLB world remains divided on potential change

The proposal has gained traction among some figures in the baseball community. Former pitcher and analyst John Smoltz supported the idea, stating on the Dan Patrick Show: “I think you make it bigger when you do it in the middle of the season and shut it down for a week.”

Even with growing support, questions remain. Teams fighting for postseason spots may be wary of risking key players midyear, particularly with collective bargaining issues on the horizon. For now, DeRosa’s idea stays in the discussion phase — yet it keeps gaining relevance after another compelling World Baseball Classic.

David Bednar, Paul Goldschmidt, Kyle Schwarber, Will Smith, and Bobby Witt Jr. are the five players on the 2026 roster who were also part of Team USA‘s squad in 2023. After the Stars and Stripes fell at loanDepot park once again, those five players relived the heartbreak from 2023.

Once again, the Americans suffered a crushing defeat in Little Havana. Three years ago, it was Japan that walked away victorious. Now, Venezuela has captured its first World Baseball Classic title, while Team USA matched Puerto Rico’s total of two runner-up finishes. The Americans now hold a 1–2 record in World Baseball Classic finals.

When is the next World Baseball Classic?

Team USA will have its shot at redemption in 2030, as that’s when the next World Baseball Classic will be. Four years from now, Venezuela will have to defend its world champions crown. For the time being, though, the Venezuelans get to celebrate a historic conquest in Miami.

However, Venezuela and Team USA may run into each other again before 2030. In 2028, baseball will return to the Summer Olympics for the first time since 2020. Thus, both Venezuela and the U.S. could be in for a case of déjà vu, as they compete in a tournament where Japan enters as the reigning champion on American soil.

Updated World Baseball Classic winners

Now, the stage is set for an instant classic. Team USA—making its third straight appearance in the WBC final—is considered the favorite thanks to its home-field advantage and a star-studded roster. However, Venezuela won’t be alone, with thousands of fans expected to fill the stands at loanDepot park.

Both teams are 4-1 so far in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, meaning each side knows what it feels like to be on the losing end in the tournament. However, neither is expecting to lose in the final. This one is for all the marbles, and both sides plan to walk out of Little Havana crowned world champions.

What happens if Team USA loses against Venezuela?

If Team USA loses against Venezuela, then the Americans will have to settle for the silver medal in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Moreover, it’d be the second straight runner-up finish for the Stars and Stripes. Team USA lost to Japan in the 2023 WBC final, and is now eyeing redemption.

With a win over Team USA, Venezuela would secure its first World Baseball Classic championship. Regardless of the final score, Venezuela will record its best finish in WBC history, as its previous best was a third-place in 2009.

What happens if Team USA wins in 2026 WBC final?

If the Americans prevail over the Venezuelans, then the Stars and Stripes will be crowned champions of the 2026 World Baseball Classic. It’d be the country’s second WBC championship and first since 2017. Team USA will have to slay its ghosts from the past, though, as it lost to Japan in 2023 at the same ballpark it will take on Venezuela.

What happens if Team USA and Venezuela tie?

If both sides are still tied by the end of the ninth inning, then the 2026 World Baseball Classic final will head to extra innings. According to official WBC rules, the team at bat in extra innings will start with a runner on second base. Extra innings will continue until a winner is decided.

“I’m rooting for obviously Venezuela…but with Nolan pitching, I want him to get his pitch count where he needs to be, and then when he comes out of the game for Venezuela to put a rally on,” the manager stated via SNY.

Mendoza is experiencing mixed emotions: one of his players will be the starting pitcher on the mound for Team USA, which fills him with pride, yet he still picks his home country to lift the trophy for the first time in its history.

Venezuela seek glory in WBC final

Since its inception, Venezuela have never won the World Baseball Classic. Their deepest run prior to this year was a third-place finish in 2009, following a loss to South Korea in the semifinals.

After years of falling short—including a heartbreaking quarterfinal exit in 2023—the team has finally broken through in the 2026 tournament.

By defeating the defending champions, Japan, in the quarterfinals and rallying past Italy in the semis, Venezuela have secured their first-ever appearance in a WBC Final.

Mendoza awaits Nolan McLeans’ return

Carlos Mendoza is eagerly awaiting the return of right-handed phenom Nolan McLean to finalize the New York Mets‘ rotation ahead of Opening Day.

After McLean’s late-season surge in 2025—where he posted a 2.06 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP over 48 innings—Mendoza sees him as a centerpiece of the 2026 staff.

Despite some early spring concerns regarding vertigo-like symptoms, McLean proved his health by taking the ball for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.

After a coin flip decided the home team for the Team USA vs. Venezuela matchup in the 2026 WBC final, attention now shifts to the pitching matchup that will set the tone for the championship.

Rodriguez brings a decade of MLB experience, with stops at the Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, and the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he’s played since 2023. Last season, he posted a 5.02 ERA over 29 games and 154.1 innings, striking out 143 batters. However, his lone start in this year’s WBC didn’t go as planned, allowing three runs in just 2.2 innings against the Dominican Republic during pool play.

Team USA’s starting pitcher in the WBC Final

For Team USA, rookie Nolan McLean will take the mound. While his season with the New York Mets has impressed, McLean faced challenges earlier in the tournament, giving up two home runs against Italy in the pool stages.

“Obviously I got clipped there a couple times with the homer… but overall, I felt really good. As a competitor, if you work your whole life at something, you want to be put in these spots. It’s just kind of a dream come true to be able to get the ball in such a big moment, and it’s something I want to do,” McLean said ahead of the final according to MLB.com.

Experience vs. youth shapes the matchup

Venezuela leans on Rodriguez’s experience to navigate pressure-filled innings, while Team USA trusts McLean’s competitiveness and potential to rise to the occasion. The contrasting approaches—veteran stability versus rookie energy—could ultimately determine who claims the 2026 World Baseball Classic title.