MIAMI — The Federación de Béisbol de Puerto Rico (FBPR) has announced its pre-selection roster for the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo, marking the program’s first step toward reshaping the national team following its World Baseball Classic quarterfinal exit to Italy.
The tournament will be held from July 31 through August 7 at Estadio Quisqueya Juan Marichal in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Puerto Rico will open preparations with its first official workout on April 14 at Estadio Yldefonso Solá Morales in Caguas.
A new cycle begins
Under manager Juan González, Puerto Rico enters a new international cycle with a roster largely built from the Liga de Béisbol Superior Doble A, reflecting the federation’s continued reliance on domestic talent.
Only three players from Puerto Rico’s 2026 World Baseball Classic roster — right-handers Jorge López, Dereck Rodríguez, and Raymond Burgos — are included in the pre-selection pool, providing a direct link between the WBC squad and this summer’s tournament.
Puerto Rico will face the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Mexico, Panama, Nicaragua, Curaçao, and Colombia in Santo Domingo.
Experience and opportunity
The pre-selection group blends experienced arms with emerging contributors from across the island. López, a former MLB All-Star, headlines the pitching staff alongside Rodríguez, who brings major league experience, and Burgos, who appeared in the 2026 World Baseball Classic and adds another experienced option on the left side.
The majority of the roster is drawn from Puerto Rico’s top domestic circuit, offering an opportunity for local standouts to earn roles on the international stage.
Coaching staff in place
González will be supported by a coaching staff that includes Luis “Papa” Rivera, José “Pito” Hernández, Javier Vázquez, Josué Montañez, and Mario Ávila.
History and stakes
Puerto Rico has won three gold medals in the history of the Central American and Caribbean Games, along with three silver and three bronze. Their last gold medal came in Barranquilla, Colombia, where they defeated Cuba in the final.
Puerto Rico also won the gold medal at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, defeating Canada at the Villa María del Triunfo Sports Complex — the nation’s most recent senior international championship.
Mexico enters as the defending champion after winning the 2023 edition in San Salvador.
Currently ranked No. 6 in the WBSC World Rankings, Puerto Rico will be among the top contenders in a field that includes several top-15 nations.
Roster
The pre-selection group blends experienced arms with emerging contributors from across the island. López, a former MLB All-Star, headlines the pitching staff alongside Rodríguez, who brings major league experience, and Burgos, who appeared in the 2026 World Baseball Classic and adds another experienced option on the left side.
Pitchers: Anthony Borrero, Bryant Salgado, Christian Torres, Christian Flecha, Dereck Rodríguez, Freddie Cabrera, Héctor Hernández, Jerryell Rivera, Joel Huertas, Jorge López, Jorhan Laboy, José Cruz Molina, Joshua Torres, Josué Serrano, Lucas Vega, Luis Cintrón, Miguel Ausua, Noel Pinto, Raymond Burgos, Rubén Ramírez, Sidney Duprey
Puerto Rico pitcher Raymond Burgos prepares to throw during the sixth inning of a World Baseball Classic quarterfinal game against Italy, Saturday, March 14, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Karen Warren)
Puerto Rico’s pitcher Dereck Rodriguez pitches in the first inning against Panama during a Caribbean Series baseball game in Guadalajara, Mexico, Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)
Kansas City Royals pitcher Jorge Lopez (28) knocks over Detroit Tigers’ Ronny Rodriguez (60) as Rodriguez scores on a wild pitch during the first inning of a baseball game Friday, May 3, 2019, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Catchers: Miguel Pabón, Onix Vega, Roberto “Bebo” Peña, Víctor Torres, Jan Mercado
Infielders: Yadiel Rivera, Ricardo Bautista, Ricardo de la Torre, Nelson Molina, Kevin Rolón, Kerby Camacho, Jesmuel Valentín, Alexis Torres, Dilan Torres
Outfielders: Edgardo Villegas, Francisco Del Valle, Jadiel Sánchez, Jan Hernández, Jay Feliciano, José Layer, Joseph Monge
Utility: Emmanuel García, Glenn Santiago, Kenen Irizarry, Kevin Santa
