Anthony Iván Navarro Benítez, a versatile infielder and consistent contact hitter, is competing for a definitive spot on Cuba’s under-18 national baseball team ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifier scheduled for October in the Dominican Republic. According to the Cuban News Agency (ACN), Navarro Benítez is among a group of more than 50 players participating in intense double-session training camps at the Guillermón Moncada stadium in Santiago de Cuba.
The under-18 preselection squad is under the direction of manager Alexis Moré. In training sessions and preliminary evaluation games, Navarro Benítez has seen action as the leadoff hitter, showcasing his speed on the bases and his ability to spray line drives across all fields. During an internal training game against the Santiago de Cuba preliminary roster for the upcoming 65th National Series, Navarro went 1-for-4 at the plate, as reported by ACN.
Training Focus and Roster Composition in Santiago de Cuba
Working daily at Santiago de Cuba’s Guillermón Moncada stadium, Navarro Benítez told ACN that his primary focus is refining his swing mechanics, building physical stamina, and tightening his defensive capabilities—an area he identifies as his main challenge on the diamond. Team practices utilize a rigorous double-session format designed to trim the expansive preselection down to a final tournament roster.
The coaching staff is evaluating talent from across the island nation. Alongside Navarro Benítez, four other athletes from the western province of Matanzas secured invitations to the training camp: Glenn Betancourt, Yamián González, Kevín Rodríguez, and Anthony Howel. The camp also features Frederich Cepeda Jr., son of the legendary Cuban baseball star, who is providing hands-on advice and mentorship to the young prospects.
Tournament Outlook and Regional Rivals
The upcoming continental qualifying tournament for the World Cup will run from October 22 to October 29, bringing together 12 national teams vying for advancement. According to tournament organization announcements tracked by ACN, the field includes host nation the Dominican Republic, Cuba, the United States, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Panama, Colombia, Nicaragua, Canada, Brasil, and Curaçao.
Evaluations from inside the Cuban training camp point to a strong pitching staff as the team’s primary asset heading into the international event, with multiple young arms consistently hitting speeds around 90 miles per hour with their fastballs. Meanwhile, team coaches are working daily to sharpen the overall offensive output before the squad departs for the Dominican Republic.
Worth a look