In a recent interview with Iván Cruz Díaz of UnchinDPelota, Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno confirmed his interest in representing Venezuela at the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
When asked about the opportunity, Moreno said, “It would be a dream come true to represent my country. I’ve already had conversations with management.”
Despite battling injuries this season, Moreno is enjoying the best year of his career. In 71 games, he’s hitting .292/.349/.462 with 9 home runs and 37 RBIs. For comparison, he totaled just 12 home runs across 208 games in the previous two seasons.
A key factor in his breakout has been improved batted-ball profile. Moreno has increased his launch angle significantly, dropping his ground ball rate to a career-low 38.5% and raising his fly ball rate to a career-high 38.5%. Notably, he has also doubled his pulled fly ball rate to 14.6%. These adjustments have allowed him to blossom at the plate in 2025.
Defensively, Moreno continues to shine. According to Baseball Savant, he ranks in the 93rd percentile in blocks above average and the 85th percentile in pitch framing. With his growth on both sides of the ball, Moreno has firmly established himself as one of the elite catchers in Major League Baseball this season.
Moreno will likely compete with Brewers catcher William Contreras and Royals veteran Salvador Pérez for Venezuela’s starting catcher role at the 2026 WBC.
Venezuela is set to open tournament play on March 6 against the Kingdom of the Netherlands. They’ll face Israel on March 7, Nicaragua on March 9, and wrap up pool play on March 11 with a marquee matchup against the Dominican Republic.
In addition to his WBC aspirations, Moreno also expressed interest in playing winter ball in the Dominican Republic. Asked which team he would like to join, Moreno replied, “I would like to play with Licey. With respect to other teams, but Licey is a good team.”
The Tigres del Licey are the most successful club in Dominican winter league history, with 24 championships. They came just one win short of a three-peat last season, falling in the finals to Leones del Escogido.
Moreno previously played winter ball in Venezuela in 2021 and 2022 with the Cardenales de Lara. Participating in the Dominican league this winter would provide valuable preparation for the WBC. Venezuelan manager Omar López has emphasized the importance of winter league play for players hoping to make the WBC roster.
If Moreno does suit up this winter, it could be the final step in his preparation to help Venezuela capture its elusive first World Baseball Classic title.
Photo: Gabriel Moreno (14) hits a single against the Minnesota Twins in the fifth inning of a baseball game, Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
