The World Baseball Classic Qualifiers wrapped up a week ago, and the final four teams for the 2026 World Baseball Classic officially qualified, with Nicaragua, Taiwan, Colombia, and Brazil booking their spots in the WBC.
With the qualifiers done, let’s take a look at the top players.
The top Colombian player from the qualifiers was one of the few Colombians without recent minor league experience. He last played in the minors in 2019 and since played in independent ball and Colombia’s winter league. He homered and posted a 1.538 OPS, the second highest of any player in the qualifiers to help lead Colombia to the 2026 World Baseball Classic. He firmly placed himself in the mix to earn a roster spot for Colombia at next year’s WBC.
The former MLB pitcher pitched a gem in Colombia’s first game of the qualifier against Brazil. He went six innings, did not allow a hit until the 6th and struck out four. It was one of the all-time best performances in World Baseball Classic Qualifier history, as Colombia cruised to a 5-0 win.
The Nicaraguan ace started the first game for Nicaragua against South Africa in what turned out to be a near upset by South Africa. He did his part for Nicaragua. He went five IP with eight strikeouts and allowed just one run. The eight strikeouts is tied for the most in a single start of any starter in World Baseball Classic qualifier history.
The 22-year-old Taiwanese right fielder was Taiwan’s best hitter in the qualifier with a 1.525, including one of the most electric moments of either qualifier with an inside-the-park-home-run against South Africa. He also played stellar defense in RF in the breakout performance. He established himself as one of the key players for Taiwan heading into the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Although Spain didn’t qualify, it wasn’t because of his performance. He had a 1.239 OPS and was the only player to homer twice in the qualifiers. His second home run came in the second place game against Taiwan and was an absolute blast at 435 feet with an exit velocity of 113 MPH. Both were the high of any home run in the qualifiers.
