World Baseball Network is taking a way too early look at what some squads could look like for the World Baseball Classic (WBC). Today, we look at what a potential lineup could look like for Panama.
Panama looks to be sending back most of its team from 2023, and some new faces could get a shot to shine bright on this team. During the Premier12 tournament in November 2024, Panama finished tied for fifth in the standings with South Korea, as both teams missed the Super Round. Other Panamanians considered for their bench could be Ivan Herrera, Leonardo Bernal, Eduardo Tait, Ruben Tejada, Luis Castillo, Edgar Munoz, Carlos Quiroz, Joshwan Wright, and Allen Cordoba.
As for their pitching staff, Jaime Barria looks to be the favorite to land the opening game for Panama. Barria was on the team for the 2023 World Baseball Classic, along with the Premier12 team, just this past November. Other starting pitchers who could be considered to join Barria in Panama’s rotation are Ariel Jurado, Randall Delgado, Wilfredo Pereira, Bryan Caceres, Dario Agrazal, and Paolo Espino.
In terms of their bullpen, after dominating in the Premier12, Alberto Baldonado could serve as Panama’s closing pitcher. Baldonado pitched in his second season in Japan in 2024, going 2-3 with a 2.44 ERA in 58 appearances, striking out 63 batters across 51.2 innings while locking down nine saves. Other candidates for Panama’s bullpen include Justin Lawrence, Humberto Mejia, Enrique Burgos, Steven Fuentes, Severino Gonzalez, Kenny Hernandez, and Abdiel Mendoza.
The 2026 World Baseball Classic will begin on March 5 and run until March 17. Panama will be part of Pool A, where they will face Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Canada. Pool A will be played at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
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