At least 17 Cuban baseball players have been confirmed as reinforcements for the upcoming 2026-2027 season of the Nicaraguan Professional Baseball League, which kicks off on November 27 with six teams in the mix, according to Pelota Cubana.
These athletes from the Island will be spread across five of the participating franchises, making Nicaragua a prime winter destination for Cuban talent in the Caribbean and Central American regions.
The Managua Dantos, a new addition as the league's sixth franchise, boast the highest number of Cuban players with seven on their roster. This includes catcher Andrys Pérez, infielder Yuliesky Remón, outfielder Roel Santos, and pitchers Frank Abel Álvarez, Randy Cueto, Frank Herrera, and Geonel Gutiérrez.
Roel Santos stands out as a notable acquisition due to his extensive international experience, having played in Japan, Mexico, and Venezuela, as well as participating in the VI World Baseball Classic 2026 with the Cuban national team.
The Bóer Indians have added four Cuban players to their ranks: right-handed pitchers José Ignacio Bermúdez and Armando Dueñas, lefty Onelki García—a former MLB player with the Dodgers and Royals—and outfielder Yoel Yanqui.
Chinandega Tigers feature three players from Cuba: outfielders Yasiel González and Juan Carlos Negret, along with right-handed pitcher Raymond Figueredo.
Gigantes de Rivas have signed outfielder Maikel Serrano and first baseman Lázaro Alonso, the league's Most Valuable Player last season.
Meanwhile, the Tren del Norte has confirmed only one Cuban player so far: infielder Yassel Pino. The León Lions are currently the only team without any identified Cuban players in their lineup.
The season will continue until February 2027, featuring a 35-game regular season per team, followed by best-of-seven series for both the semifinals and finals.
The opening day will see matchups between the Gigantes de Rivas and León Lions, Tren del Norte against Bóer Indians, and Managua Dantos facing Chinandega Tigers.
Cuban influence in the Nicaraguan league isn't new; players and managers from Cuba have been involved since the mid-2010s. Notably, Cuban player Adrián Moreno was the runner-up in home runs during the 2019-2020 season with seven homers and 29 RBIs.
Nicaragua joins other winter leagues where Cuban players are confirmed to participate this season, including the Mexican Pacific League, the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League, the Dominican Republic's LIDOM, and the Puerto Rican League.
As rosters are not yet finalized, the number of Cuban representatives may change before the league's opening pitch on November 27.
Cuban Players in Nicaraguan Baseball League: Key Insights
How many Cuban players will participate in the Nicaraguan Baseball League for the 2026-2027 season?
At least 17 Cuban players have been confirmed to participate in the league.
Which team has the highest number of Cuban players?
The Managua Dantos have the highest number of Cuban players, with seven on their roster.
When does the Nicaraguan Baseball League season begin and end?
The season starts on November 27, 2026, and extends through February 2027.