With a blend of veteran leadership, rising stars and proven international experience, Nicaragua enters the Central American and Caribbean Games in 2026 with its sights set on returning to the medal podium.
Nicaragua has announced its official 26-man baseball roster for the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo, scheduled for July 31-Aug. 7, 2026.
The roster, selected by manager Sandor Guido, features a talented mix of players from the country’s domestic baseball system, along with several veterans who represented Nicaragua on the international stage during the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Guido, a respected figure in Nicaraguan baseball, returns to lead the national team after previously managing the squad at the World Baseball Classic and the previous edition of the regional games. His roster combines experience and youth, creating a team built around pitching depth, and a powerful offensive core.
In an interview with 8 Deportivo, Guido emphasized the importance of preparation, discipline and team commitment ahead of the tournament. Translated from Spanish to English, Guido said, “We will work intensely Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. We will evaluate physical conditioning, work ethic, attitude and the players’ desire. Discipline and order are required to seek a strong finish in the tournament.”
Guido’s message reflects the expectations surrounding a national program looking to make a deep run in Santo Domingo.
Known for his demanding but steady leadership style, the veteran manager understands that success at the international level requires more than individual talent, it requires preparation, and execution on the diamond.
Nicaragua’s Pitching Staff – Nicaragua’s pitching staff features a blend of experienced arms and emerging talent, with 11 pitchers selected to lead the team’s title pursuit.
The roster includes Álvaro Amador, Bryan Torres, Danilo Bermúdez, Dilmer Mejía, Elías Gutiérrez, Kenwood Burton, Keny Cruz, Pedro Torres, Sergio Umaña, Stanling Orozco and Walter López.
One of the team’s most intriguing players is 24-year-old right-handed pitcher Stanling Orozco, who enters the tournament after a dominant season with Matagalpa in Nicaragua’s Germán Pomares League.
After advancing through Nicaragua’s U-23 national team program, Orozco emerged as one of the country’s top pitching talents, capturing the league’s pitching Triple Crown. He led all qualified pitchers with a 1.40 ERA, 14 wins and 90 strikeouts, establishing himself as a key piece of Nicaragua’s pitching rotation heading into Santo Domingo.
Nicaragua’s Infield – Nicaragua’s infield combines veteran experience with offensive firepower. The group includes Benjamín Alegría, Brandon Leytón, Cheslor Cuthbert, Elián Rayo, Emanuel Trujillo, Saúl Orozco and Milkar Pérez.
The infield is highlighted by Milkar Pérez, a former Seattle Mariners prospect who enters the tournament in exceptional form. Pérez dominated the Germán Pomares League, producing an impressive 1.490 OPS and establishing himself as one of Nicaragua’s most feared hitters.
Expected to bat in the heart of the lineup, Pérez gives Nicaragua a middle-of-the-order presence capable of driving in runs and changing the momentum of a game.
Veteran infielder Cheslor Cuthbert also brings valuable international experience after spending time in Major League Baseball with the Kansas City Royals, providing impactful leadership to the roster.
Nicaragua’s Catchers – Behind the plate, Nicaragua will rely on Melvin Novoa and Ronald Rivera to manage the pitching staff and provide stability in critical situations.
Both catchers bring familiarity with the country’s pitching talent, an important advantage as Nicaragua prepares for a competitive international tournament schedule.
Nicaragua’s Outfield – The outfield features a group of six players capable of contributing both offensively and defensively. The roster includes Bismarck Rivera, Cristhian Sandoval, Juan Diego Montes, Enmanuel Trujillo, José Orozco and Omar Mendoza.
Nicaragua’s outfielders will play an important role in creating scoring opportunities and providing defensive consistency throughout the tournament.
Nota importante: Los partidos de béisbol de los Juegos Centroamericanos serán a 7.0 innings por disposición de la WBSC.
La selección se preparará para su debut el viernes 31 vs Colombia.#Beisbol pic.twitter.com/1R6eyZUTLC
— 8DeportivoTN8 (@8DeportivoTN8) July 22, 2026
Nicaragua enters the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games with one of the most balanced rosters in the tournament and legitimate medal aspirations. The combination of proven veterans, rising stars and standout performers from the domestic league gives manager Sandor Guido a roster capable of competing with the region’s top baseball nations.
Nicaragua Roster for the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games
Pitchers – Álvaro Amador, Bryan Torres, Danilo Bermúdez, Dilmer Mejía, Elías Gutiérrez, Kenwood Burton, Keny Cruz, Pedro Torres, Sergio Umaña, Stanling Orozco, Walter López.
Catchers – Melvin Novoa, Ronald Rivera.
Infielders – Benjamín Alegría, Brandon Leytón, Cheslor Cuthbert, Elián Rayo, Emanuel Trujillo, Saúl Orozco, Milkar Pérez.
Outfielders – Bismarck Rivera, Cristhian Sandoval, Juan Diego Montes, Enmanuel Trujillo, José Orozco, Omar Mendoza.
Photo: Sandor Guido will again lead Nicaragua, this time at the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. (Photo Courtesy of FENIBA)
