In an interview with Tigo Sports in Panama, former Major League Baseball catcher Christian Bethancourt confirmed he will represent Panama at both the 2026 World Baseball Classic and the upcoming Copa América de Béisbol this November.
Speaking about the opportunity to compete in the WBC, Bethancourt said, “It is a beautiful experience for the players. For those who have not been to the Classic, it’s a great honor to represent your country. Obviously, if they call me, I’ll be available as long as I’m healthy.”
Bethancourt also confirmed his participation in the Copa América de Béisbol, which will be hosted in La Chorrera, Panama, at Estadio Mariano Rivera from Nov. 12-22. He is the first major name to officially commit to the tournament.
The 34-year-old joins Cardinals catcher Iván Herrera and Yankees utility player José Caballero as confirmed members of Panama’s 2026 WBC roster. Panama will compete in Pool A, held at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico, from March 6-11 facing Canada, Colombia, Cuba, and host Puerto Rico.
Bethancourt spent the 2025 season in Triple-A with the Toronto Blue Jays organization. In 58 games for Buffalo, he posted a .551 OPS with seven home runs and 21 RBIs before being released in early September. He will play winter ball in the Dominican Republic with the Tigres del Licey.
Over parts of eight MLB seasons, Bethancourt appeared in 458 games, hitting .229/.259/.362 with 35 home runs. While his bat was below average, his strong throwing arm was considered one of the best among catchers during his tenure. The Padres even experimented with converting him into a pitcher in 2017, though the trial was short-lived, as he allowed nine runs in 5 1/3 innings.
After leaving MLB in 2018, Bethancourt played one season in Korea with the NC Dinos. He later returned to the MLB season in 2021 and played for Panama in international competition, starting four games for Panama in the 2023 WBC. He went 3-for-16 at the plate as Panama earned its first-ever WBC victories, defeating Taiwan 12-5 on opening night and later shutting out Italy 2-0. Despite finishing in a historic five-team tie at 2-2, Panama did not advance but secured automatic qualification for 2026.
Looking ahead, Panama’s 2026 WBC roster is expected to feature Herrera, Caballero, Dodgers outfield prospect José Ramos, former MLB infielder Rubén Tejada, and potentially, Orioles prospect Enrique Bradfield Jr. Cubs catcher Miguel Amaya is also a possibility, though injuries may limit his availability. Bethancourt, meanwhile, is expected to provide veteran leadership and defensive strength behind the plate.
For the Copa América, Panama will compete in Group B alongside Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, and Puerto Rico in La Chorrera, Panama. Group A, hosted in Caracas and La Guaira, Venezuela, will feature Cuba, Curaçao, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. The super round and championship will be played in Panama.
A strong performance at the Copa América could help Panama qualify for the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo, an Olympic pre-qualifier. If Panama is to perform well, Bethancourt will play a significant role.
Photo: Chicago Cubs’ Christian Bethancourt plays during a baseball game, Monday, Sept. 23, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
