Nicaragua and Chinese Taipei have qualified for the 2026 World Baseball Classic after their performances in Taiwan. Here are two top players who performed at their best during the games World Baseball Classic Qualifiers.
Rusber Estrada, DH, Spain
Spain’s Rusber Estrada put together a big-time hitting performance during Spain’s set of qualifying games in Taipei.
He had two hits and three RBI in Spain’s dominant first game, resulting in a 12-5 win over Chinese Taipei.
He also hit a home run against South Africa, leading to another big win in the qualifiers. Once again, Estrada had two hits in that game.
In the final qualifier game and a rematch against Chinese Taipei on Tuesday, he homered again during a three-hit game.
Rusber Estrada CRUSHES this baseball at 115 MPH ????#WorldBaseballClassic pic.twitter.com/aYcf2upk5A
— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) February 25, 2025
Estrada has a case to be named as one of the best hitters during the WBC Qualifiers in Taiwan.
Juan Montes, OF, Nicaragua
Juan Montes often found himself getting in the action on both hits in scoring plays in Taipei.
He led the way for Nicaragua in hitting in their first game against South Africa. He finished with two hits in that contest.
Nicaragua’s second game against Spain was quieter for Montes as he went one for five. However, he had the game-winning run in the 10th inning to walk off the game thanks to a big hit from Benjamin Alegria.
Montes made his presence felt in Nicaragua’s 6-0 win over Chinese Taipei. He had two hits in the game, which were paired with two runs he scored himself.
Nicaragua’s qualification effort for the 2026 World Baseball Classic was a team effort. However, Montes was arguably the one who led the charge on offense.
