Nicaragua has secured its spot in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, going 3-0 at the Taipei Dome in Taiwan. They would provide not one but two walk-off hits in their first two games against South Africa and Spain. They shut out Chinese Taipei (Taiwan) 6-0 in their third game, advancing to the World Baseball Classic. Nicaragua has advanced; potential additions could impact their team in March 2026.
Mark Vientos
Fans will hope that Mark Vientos intends to change his mind about who he will play for during the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The 25-year-old third baseman was born in Norwalk, Connecticut, but can represent Nicaragua due to his mother being born there and the Dominican Republic for his father. Vientos’ paternal grandfather was born in Puerto Rico, which also makes him eligible for Puerto Rico’s roster. During his youth, Vientos played on USA’s 15U team during the Baseball World Cup. On the field, Vientos had a breakout 2024 season for the New York Mets, playing in 111 games, hitting 27 home runs, and 71 RBIs for a .266 average. Vientos would likely play third base with Nicaragua.
Jonathan Loaisiga
One arm that could provide valuable innings in the clutch is Jonathan Loaisiga. Loaisiga was listed on Nicaragua’s roster during the 2023 World Baseball Classic but did not pitch. After appearing in three games last season, the 30-year-old resigned from the New York Yankees. Loaisiga underwent surgery in 2024, dealing with a torn UCL in his right elbow. Depending on how Loaisiga progresses this Spring Training, he could be an option for Nicaragua, depending on his 2025 season.
Duque Hebbert
Left off the roster for the Qualifiers, Duque Hebbert will undoubtedly be excited the next time he takes the mound for Nicaragua. One of the stories of the 2023 World Baseball Classic, Hebbert signed with the Detroit Tigers after his appearance against the Dominican Republic, striking out superstars Juan Soto, Julio Rodriguez, and Rafael Devers. The 23-year-old spent 2024 between the Tigers rookie affiliate and the Low-A affiliate. In Low A, Hebbert pitched in 21 games and made seven starts, going 5-2, posting a 5.16 ERA, striking out 46 batters, and walking 17 across 61 innings of work.
Erasmo Ramirez
Longtime MLB veteran Erasmo Ramirez was also left off Nicaragua’s roster as he competes for a bullpen role after signing a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins. During the 2023 World Baseball Classic, Ramirez pitched in two games, making one start, throwing in three and two-thirds innings, and collecting three strikeouts. The 34-year-old made his MLB debut in 2012 and has pitched in the Mariners, Rays, Red Sox, Mets, Tigers, and Nationals organization. For 2024, he was back for his second stint with the Rays, putting together a 3-0 record in 13 games, recording a 4.35 ERA, logging 20.2 innings, striking out 15 batters.
Carlos F. Rodriguez
Another prospect seen during the 2023 World Baseball Classic was starting pitcher Carlos F. Rodriguez. Rodriguez is battling for a roster spot in Milwaukee Brewers Spring Training. Rodriguez made his MLB debut in 2024, making three starts, going 0-3, posting a 7.30 ERA, and picking up nine strikeouts in 12.1 innings pitched. During the 2023 WBC, Rodriguez made one start, putting together a 2.25 ERA, throwing in four innings, allowing two hits and one earned run, walking one, and striking out three batters. He will certainly be an option for Nicaragua’s rotation for 2026.
Cheslor Cuthbert
Cheslor Cuthbert was initially listed on Nicaragua’s roster for the World Baseball Classic Qualifiers but had to miss the action due to injury. The 32-year-old third baseman made his MLB debut with the Kansas City Royals in 2015 and would play there until 2019. In 2020, he appeared in just one game, getting one at-bat with the Chicago White Sox. In his MLB career, he played in 323 games, with 27 home runs and 119 RBIs, hitting for a career with a .250 batting average. Cuthbert played in Liga Profesional Beisbol Nicaragua (LBPN) with the Gigantes de Rivas this winter. In 32 games, he hit for a .360 average, adding four home runs and driving in 26 RBIs. If Cuthbert continues his playing career, he could be an option off the bench for Nicaragua.
Ismael Munguia
One of the younger players who wasn’t present at the World Baseball Classic Qualifiers was outfielder Ismael Munguia. Munguia signed a minor league contract with the New York Yankees this offseason, so he is currently at Yankees Spring Training fighting for a roster spot. The 26-year-old was a San Francisco Giants organization member from 2016-2024. He reached Triple-A for the first time in his career this past season. Playing between Double-A and Triple-A in 2024, Munguia hit a .286 average in 93 games, hitting seven home runs, 38 RBIs, and stole 18 bases. If Munguia is on the roster for Nicaragua for 2026, they will undoubtedly have an upgrade for when they have runners on base.
(AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
