After a thrilling run to the semifinals in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, the Mexican national baseball team will return to the global stage in 2026 with one clear goal: winning it all. In 2023, Mexico came heartbreakingly close to reaching its first-ever WBC final, leading Japan by one run in the ninth inning before a walk-off two-run double by Munetaka Murakami ended its dream. Japan went on to win the title, while Mexico walked away with pride—and unfinished business.
Last week, Japan set attendance and viewership records at the World Baseball Classic.
They just hit a walk off to beat Mexico and advance to the finals 🔥pic.twitter.com/36MZVFhCf9
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) March 21, 2023
Now, with a deeper and more experienced roster, Mexico returns to the WBC hungry for redemption. Led by MLB stars and breakout talents, the team is poised to make a serious championship push in the spring of 2026.
Lineup
Randy Arozarena, the heart and soul of Mexico’s 2023 campaign, will again don the green and red. The Cuban-born outfielder, who gained Mexican citizenship before the last tournament, became a fan favorite and one of the faces of the WBC with his electrifying play and unmatched charisma. He posted a 1.507 OPS in the 2023 tournament—the second highest of any player—and delivered clutch performances that helped propel Mexico to the semifinals.
Randy Arozarena signed a jersey for the President of Mexico, AMLO. pic.twitter.com/PUomFhx5CP
— Shawn Spradling (@Shawn_Spradling) November 8, 2023
In 2025, Arozarena is enjoying the best season of his MLB career. Now with the Seattle Mariners, he’s hitting .247/.350/.463 with 20 home runs and is on pace to surpass his previous career high of 23. His 135 OPS+ is a career high. He will once again be Mexico’s spark plug and the centerpiece of the lineup.
Center field — Alek Thomas
Returning in center field is 25-year-old Alek Thomas, known more for his defense than his bat. Offensively, he’s hitting .242/.291/.368 with six home runs in 2025. While those numbers are below league average, his defense remains elite. His plus-2 Outs Above Average ranks 15th among MLB center fielders. Given the lack of alternatives in center, the job is likely his to lose.
Right field — Jarren Duran
Jarren Duran, the breakout star for the Boston Red Sox in 2024, will likely start in right field. Last season, he posted a .285/.342/.492 line with 21 home runs, 34 steals and a 6.8 fWAR. Though his 2025 numbers have dipped (.265/.332/.461, 11 HR), he remains an above-average hitter and a dynamic top-of-the-order threat. His elite speed will be
Third base — Ramon Urías
With Isaac Paredes reportedly sidelined by a torn hamstring and likely to miss the World Baseball Classic, Mexico faces a significant void at third base. While no one can truly replace Paredes, the team should look to infielder Ramón Urías to fill the role. A plus defender in 2025 at third base, Urías will be relied upon to provide steady defense and contribute offensively from the bottom of the lineup. He had to miss the 2023 edition with an insurance issue but this time around he should finally play with his brother Luis for the first time for the Mexican senior national team.
Mexico will hope he can replicate his 2024 performance, when he posted a .254/.322/.423 slash line with 11 home runs. Though he’s taken a step back in 2025, hitting .248/.300/.388, the loss of Paredes makes it crucial for Urías to elevate his game in a big way. He is the
Shortstop — Marcelo Mayer
Red Sox prospect Marcelo Mayer is the projected starter at shortstop. After being promoted in 2025, he’s had an uneven debut, hitting .228/.272/.402 with four home runs. While the offense has lagged, his defensive tools remain strong, and he’s shown flashes of the power and poise that made him a top prospect. If he finishes the MLB season strong, he’ll be a key asset in the WBC.
Second base — J.P. Crawford
One of the biggest surprises for Team Mexico is the potential addition of veteran J.P. Crawford, who was revealed to be eligible by manager Benji Gil. The Seattle Mariners shortstop is having another solid season, batting .268/.364/.362 with seven home runs and a 114 OPS+. While his defense at shortstop has declined, a move to second base would suit him well. He brings leadership, discipline at the plate and big league experience to Team Mexico.
In a recent interview with Benji Gil, he mentioned JP Crawford could be suiting up for Mexico at the next World Baseball Classic pic.twitter.com/5T6AOHtXpv
— Jeff Duda (@INTLBaseball24) July 23, 2025
First base — Jonathan Aranda
Aranda is having a breakout year in 2025 with the Tampa Bay Rays, hitting .315/.395/.479 with 12 home runs. His 145 wRC+ ranks second among MLB first basemen. The 27-year-old Tijuana native is providing consistent contact and newfound power, and will be a key presence in the heart of the Mexican lineup.
Catcher — Alejandro Kirk
After two disappointing seasons in 2023 and 2024, Alejandro Kirk has bounced back in a major way. The Toronto Blue Jays backstop is hitting .304/.361/.413 with seven home runs in 2025. Known for his elite contact skills and pitch framing, Kirk is among the toughest hitters in baseball to strike out, with a 9.8 percent strikeout rate—sixth best in the league. His presence will be critical for managing Mexico’s pitching staff.
Backup Catcher — José Trevino
José Trevino is enjoying a career season with the Reds, hitting .258/.298/.416 with four home runs. Though he lacks a strong arm, his game calling and defense make him a valuable backup to Kirk.
Designated hitter: Joey Meneses
Joey Meneses became a national hero during the 2023 WBC, launching two home runs in an 11–5 rout over the United States in pool play. Though his MLB career stalled afterward, he’s bounced back in 2025 with a solid performance at Class AAA Syracuse (.283/.334/.454, seven HR). He was also the MVP of the Mexican Pacific League last winter. In July, he has caught fire, slashing .368/.410/.596 with three home runs. His power potential and past heroics likely earn him the DH role in 2026.
Bench: Versatility and Depth
Nacho Álvarez Jr.: Hitting .306/.469/.429 at Class AAA and can play second, short or third. His versatility makes him a strong candidate for the roster and he will have the chance to push for a starting job.
Nick Gonzales: The 25-year-old is hitting .253/.309/.399 with improved plate discipline and solid defense.
Alejandro Osuna: Though he struggled in MLB (.164/.293/.224), his Class AAA performance (.893 OPS) and defensive flexibility in the outfield keep him in the mix.
JC Gamboa and Luis Urías: Gamboa would be the only position player from Mexico’s domestic league. Urías had some of the best moments of the 2023 edition. His go-ahead RBI single in the 7th against Puerto Rico lifted Mexico to their first semifinal. He also hit a go-ahead three run homer off Rōki Sasaki in the semifinals. He could be a very important bench piece.
Rotation Uncertainty
Injuries to key arms—Javier Assad, José Urquidy, Patrick Sandoval and Joe Musgrove—have left the starting rotation in flux. Mexico will need creative solutions to stay competitive on the mound.
Taijuan Walker: The healthy arms start with Walker, who dominated Great Britain in the 2023 WBC with a four-inning, eight-strikeout performance and just one hit allowed, and is having a solid 2025 season (3.88 ERA, 72 IP, 56 K). He’ll likely lead the rotation.
Valente Bellozo: A solid 2025 with a 3.34 ERA and 40 strikeouts in 56 2/3 innings for the Marlins. Has started multiple games and boasts a 3.27 ERA and 16 strikeouts in 22 innings as a starter. He is able to start or relieve, but given the injury situation, is a likely starter for Mexico.
Michael Lorenzen: With a 4.61 ERA in 99 2/3 innings for the Royals this year, Lorenzen brings velocity (94.5 mph average fastball) and experience.
Taj Bradley: Recently confirmed interest in playing for Mexico. His road ERA (3.76) is significantly better than at home, and his raw stuff gives him top-of-the-rotation potential.
Taj Bradley with 7 no-hit frames in AAA. He’s a likely starter for Mexico at the 2026 WBC https://t.co/AO5Cn7st2y
— Jeff Duda (@INTLBaseball24) July 31, 2025
Bullpen: Mexico’s greatest strength
Mexico may boast one of the strongest bullpens in the 2026 WBC.
Andrés Muñoz: The Mariners’ closer has a 1.32 ERA and 54 strikeouts in 41 innings. His 98.9 mph fastball makes him tough, but his slider makes him unhittable. He throws it 50 percent of the time and it’s one of the best pitches in MLB.
Jeremiah Estrada: Has a 2.59 ERA and 66 strikeouts in 48 2/3 innings for the Padres. He’ll be the primary setup man.
José Rodríguez: Dodgers prospect with 34 strikeouts in 19 2/3 innings since June 1 in Class AAA with a 2.75 ERA. Throws in the upper 90s and will be a weapon in late innings.
Tony Santillan: Another power arm with a 2.74 ERA and a fastball near 97 mph.
Projected Starting Lineup:
LF Randy Arozarena
RF Jarren Duran
1B Jonathan Aranda
DH Joey Meneses
C Alejandro Kirk
2B J.P. Crawford
SS Marcelo Mayer
DH 3B Ramón Urías
CF Alek Thomas
Bench:
IF Nacho Álvarez Jr.
C José Trevino
IF JC Gamboa
OF Alejandro Osuna
IF Nick Gonzales
IF Luis Urías
Starting rotation:
RHP Taijuan Walker
RHP Valente Bellozo
RHP Michael Lorenzen
RHP Taj Bradley
Bullpen:
RHP Andres Muñoz
RHP Jeremiah Estrada
RHP Alan Rangel
RHP José Rodríguez
LHP Anthony Banda
RHP Ian Mejía
LHP Omar Cruz
RHP Nestor Germán
LHP Brennan Bernardino
RHP Tony Santillan
RHP Robert García
Mexico will open its 2026 World Baseball Classic run against Great Britain on March 6. Mexico will then face Brazil on March 8, the United States on March 9 and a potentially huge matchup against Italy as pool play in Houston concludes on March 11. With big-time arms in the bullpen and star power offensively, Mexico will look to claim the elusive World Baseball Classic championship.
WBN WBC: https://worldbaseball.com/league/wbc/
Photo: The Mexican team cheers Alex Verdugo (27) after he scored during the seventh inning of a World Baseball Classic game against Puerto Rico, Friday, March 17, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
