Mexico will play in Pool B with the United States, Italy, Brazil and Great Britain in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Their team has some Major League Baseball All-Stars who could make some noise in the upcoming tournament.
Randy Arozarena was phenomenal in the last World Baseball Classic. He had a 1.507 OPS in six games and helped lead Mexico to the semifinals. Jarren Duran is an extra-base hit machine and was the 2024 MLB All-Star Game MVP, and figures to play a much bigger role in this year’s tournament. Javier Assad and Taijuan Walker headline the starting pitcher options, but Victor Vodnik figures to bring high velocity out of the bullpen.
Ramón Urías and Joey Ortiz are both phenomenal defenders in the infield, but how they play at the plate will be very important. Ortiz struggled offensively last season, and Urías saw his numbers decline at the plate as well for the Houston Astros.
Pitchers:
Alexander Armenta (Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks)
Javier Assad (Chicago Cubs)
Brennan Bernardino (Colorado Rockies)
Taj Bradley (Minnesota Twins)
Alex Carrillo (New York Mets)
Jesus Cruz (Aguilas de Mexicali)
Daniel Duarte (New York Mets)
Robert Garcia (Texas Rangers)
Luis Gastelum (St. Louis Cardinals)
Andres Munoz (Seattle Mariners)
Samy Natera Jr. (Los Angeles Angels)
Gerardo Reyes (Charros de Jalisco)
José Urquidy (Leones del Escogido)
Victor Vodnik (Colorado Rockies)
Taijuan Walker (Philadelphia Phillies)
Catchers:
Alejandro Kirk (Toronto Blue Jays)
Alexis Wilson (Aguilas de Mexicali)
Infielders:
Jonathan Aranda (Tampa Bay Rays)
Ramón Urías
Nick Gonzales (Pittsburgh Pirates)
Joey Meneses (Athletics)
Joey Ortiz (Milwaukee Brewers)
Jared Serna (Miami Marlins)
Rowdy Tellez
Luis Urías
Outfielders:
Randy Arozarena (Seattle Mariners)
Jarren Duran (Boston Red Sox)
Alejandro Osuna (Texas Rangers)
Alek Thomas (Arizona Diamondbacks)
Photo: Mexico’s Randy Arozarena celebrates after scoring against Canada on Joey Meneses’ single during the sixth inning of a World Baseball Classic game in Phoenix, Wednesday, March 15, 2023. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
