Colombia Names Roster for Premier12 Qualifier in Barcelona

Colombia has announced its 25-man roster for the Premier12 qualifier, which begins Friday in Barcelona, Spain. The roster features nine players who played for Colombia in the 2026 World Baseball Classic and nine players who are currently part of MLB organizations.

Players to watch

Luis Patiño

The 26-year-old right-hander is one of two former MLB players on Colombia’s roster, and his 45 appearances at the big league level are the eighth-most by any Colombian pitcher in MLB history.

In four seasons with the San Diego Padres, Tampa Bay Rays and Chicago White Sox, Patiño posted a 5.02 ERA in 45 games, including 23 starts. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2024. After returning, he made nine minor league starts in 2025 before persistent elbow issues led to his release by the Padres in August 2025.

Patiño pitched for Colombia at this year’s World Baseball Classic and started against Cuba. He pitched one-third of an inning and allowed four runs in a rough outing. He pitched in the Liga Mexicana de Béisbol in 2026 with the Sultanes de Monterrey and Diablos Rojos del México.

He is the expected ace for Colombia.

David Lorduy

The 22-year-old right-handed Reds prospect should be one of Colombia’s top options on the mound. He reached High-A for the first time in 2026 and posted a 6.06 ERA with 76 strikeouts in 68 1/3 innings between the Arizona Complex League and High-A.

Lorduy also pitched for Colombia at the World Baseball Classic, where he did not allow a run in 3 1/3 innings and allowed just one hit.

José Ramos

The 23-year-old infielder from Montería had the best season of his minor league career in 2026. After previously gaining experience in High-A and making a very brief appearance in Triple-A, Ramos spent time in the Complex League, Single-A and High-A in 2026.

He had his best success at High-A with the Eugene Emeralds. In 31 games, Ramos posted an .851 OPS with 13 stolen bases and a 1-to-1 walk-to-strikeout ratio. His .437 on-base percentage and 19.8% walk rate were both career highs.

His performance has him on track to reach Double-A early in 2027. Ramos is likely to start for Colombia at third base or left field and bat near the top of the lineup.

Tournament schedule

Colombia will open the tournament Friday against Italy in a showdown between two potentially talented teams in the qualifier. Colombia will play Germany on Saturday before wrapping up Sunday against host Spain.

The top two teams following the three-day, round-robin qualifier will advance to the 2027 Premier12.

Europe and Oceania will compete at the Premier12 for one spot at the 2028 Olympics, with the highest-placed team qualifying.

Full roster

Pitchers

• RHP Luis Patiño — Tiburones de La Guaira

• RHP David Lorduy — Cincinnati Reds, High-A

• RHP Ezequiel Zabaleta — Caimanes de Barranquilla

• RHP Roberto Pérez — Seattle Mariners, ACL

• RHP Kermin Guardia — Toros de Sincelejo, LPB

• RHP Wilson López — Caimanes de Barranquilla, LPB

• RHP José Garces — Pittsburgh Pirates, High-A

• RHP Julio Vivas — Senadores de Caracas, LMBP

• RHP Yoryi Simarra — Caimanes de Barranquilla, LPB

• RHP Harrison Ruiz — Cleveland Guardians, Single-A

• RHP Luis Escobar — Bravos de Margarita, LVBP

• RHP Miguel Zuñiga — Caimanes de Barranquilla, LPB

• LHP Kevin Escorcia — Caimanes de Barranquilla, LPB

Catchers

• Carlos Martínez — Caimanes de Barranquilla, LPB

• Daniel Vellojin — Tampa Bay Rays, Double-A

• Paulo Asprilla — St. Louis Cardinals, FCL

Infielders

• José Ramos — San Francisco Giants, High-A

• Daya Frías — Cleveland Guardians, Triple-A

• Carlos Arroyo — Caimanes de Barranquilla, LPB

• Diego Contreras — Seattle Mariners, ACL

• Dario Borrero — Hamilton Cardinals, Canadian Baseball League

Outfielders

• Jesús Marriaga — Yankees de Arjona, Liga Mayor de Béisbol de Bolívar

• Jaider Morelos — Baseball Klub Nada SM Split, Croatian Baseball League

• Guillermo Quintana — Yankees de Arjona, Liga Mayor de Béisbol de Bolívar

• Andrés Villafañe — Club de Béisbol de Villanueva, Liga Mayor de Béisbol de Bolívar