World Baseball Network is taking a way too early look at what some squads could look like for the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC). Today, we look at what a potential lineup could look like for Puerto Rico.
- Francisco Lindor SS
- Heliot Ramos CF
- Carlos Correa 2B
- MJ Melendez LF
- Jose Miranda 1B
- Kike Hernandez 3B
- Willi Castro RF
- Javier Baez DH
- Christian Vazquez C
Carlos Beltran takes over as Puerto Rico’s new General Manager for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, as he announced that Yadier Molina will manage the Boricuas once again. Beltran is now tasked with selecting their roster and naming the coaching staff. Beltran played in four World Baseball Classic, helping to lead Puerto Rico to two silver medals in 2013 and 2017.
There is tons of talent on this potential roster. With the shortstop trio of Francisco Lindor, Carlos Correa, and Javier Baez, Lindor likely continues to handle duties at shortstop, as he did during 2023. If Carlos Correa joins for the 2026 edition, he could likely slide over to third base or second base, moving Javier Baez into the DH slot, but after a tough 2024 season, Baez will have to prove himself to stick in the starting lineup. Other options when it comes to other players who could see starts in Puerto Rico’s lineup will be Darrell Hernaiz, Luis Vazquez, Emmanuel Rivera, Nelson Velazquez, Victor Caratini, Eddie Rosario, Tomas Nido, and prospects Edwin Arroyo, Abimelic Ortiz, and Matthew Lugo.
In terms of their pitching staff, it will be intriguing to see whether Marcus Stroman will return to lead their staff for 2026. After pitching for the United States and leading them to a gold medal in 2017, Stroman represented Puerto Rico in 2023, honoring his mother. If Stroman decides to return for 2026, he will join a rotation that will likely feature Jose Berrios, Dereck Rodriguez, and Jonathan Bermudez.
As for their bullpen, Edwin Diaz looks likely to win the closer role after his scary incident getting injured, celebrating one of Puerto Rico’s victories in 2023. That injury ended up sidelining Diaz for the entire 2023 season. If he doesn’t return, his brother Alexis could be a favorite to lock
down saves. Other candidates for Puerto Rico’s bullpen include Fernando Cruz, Joe Jimenez, Jorge Lopez, Jovani Moran, and Raymond Burgos.
The 2026 WBC will begin on March 5 and run until March 17. Puerto Rico will be part of Pool A, where they will face Cuba, Canada, and Panama. Pool A will be played at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
_____
Related Articles
Early Preview: Dominican Republic’s 2026 WBC Potential Lineup
