Edmundo Sosa has officially confirmed he will represent Panama at the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The Philadelphia Phillies infielder told Deportes y Punto in Panama that suiting up for the national team is a personal goal.
In Spanish, Sosa said, “Espero estar saludable para poder representar a mi país y verme con los compañeros que crecieron conmigo,” which translates, “I hope to be healthy so I can represent my country and be with the teammates who grew up with me.”
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For the 29-year-old from Panama City, this would mark his first World Baseball Classic appearance wearing his nation’s jersey.
Sosa, now in his seventh Major League season, has played for both the St. Louis Cardinals and Philadelphia Phillies since his debut in 2018. In 2025 with Philadelphia, he is batting .269 with seven home runs and 31 RBI across 74 games, providing steady defense at shortstop, second base, and third base. His versatility and postseason experience — highlighted by the Phillies’ 2022 National League pennant run — make him a valuable addition to Panama’s roster.
His commitment follows the recent announcement by Cardinals catcher Iván Herrera, who also confirmed he will play for Panama at the 2026 WBC. Herrera called it “one of the most important things for an athlete outside of the professional level” when interviewed by Con Las Bases Llenas. Together, Herrera and Sosa form the backbone of a Panama team that could field its most talented roster in tournament history. Read more about Herrera’s commitment here.
Panama will play in Pool A at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico, facing Cuba on March 6, host Puerto Rico on March 7, Canada on March 8, and Colombia on March 9. Manager Luis Ortiz is expected to blend Major League talent like Sosa, Herrera, and Yankees infielder José Caballero with rising prospects such as José Ramos and Leonardo Jiménez. See our early preview of Panama’s roster here.
For Panamanian fans, Sosa’s commitment signals momentum heading into 2026. His presence, alongside Herrera’s, lifts Panama’s chances of advancing past the first round for the first time in WBC history.
