By Conor Liguori
World Baseball Network
The 2023 World Baseball Classic will be the fifth time appearance in the event for Venezuela. In the 2017 WBC, they were eliminated by Puerto Rico in the semifinals and went 2-2 overall. In 2023, Venezuela will compete in Pool D alongside Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Israel, and Nicaragua.
The Venezuela roster is filled with MLB players with the exception of a few international players. There is also a good mix of veterans and young stars. Detroit Tigers designated hitter Miguel Cabrera will play in his fifth World Baseball Classic and provide leadership for younger players on the roster. Andres Gimenez, a 2022 Gold Glove Award winner, will split time with two-time World Series champion Jose Altuve at second base. Both hitters will be tough outs at the top of the order.
A major addition to the Venezuela lineup is Atlanta Braves superstar Ronald Acuna Jr. Acuna is one of the most feared hitters in the National League, and possesses a strong throwing arm from center field. Joining Acuna in the outfield will be newly-signed Los Angeles Dodger David Peralta, and Baltimore Orioles outfielder Anthony Santander, who led the O’s with 33 home runs in 2022.
As it stands, Minnesota Twins righthander Pablo Lopez will be the ace of the staff and start game one against the Dominican Republic. Joining Lopez in the rotation will be Luis Garcia of the Houston Astros, German Marquez of the Colorado Rockies, Martin Perez of the Texas Rangers, and Ranger Suarez of the Philadelphia Phillies.
Venezuela will play their first game of the World Baseball Classic against Dominican Republic on March 11, at 7 p.m. EST. All games in Pool D will be played from March 11-15 at LoanDepotPark, home of the Miami Marlins.
Venezuela World Baseball Classic Roster
Pitchers (Team)
Jose Alvarado (Philadelphia Phillies)
Silvino Brancho (Cincinnati Reds)
Endrys Briceno (Arizona Diamondbacks)
Max Castillo (Kansas City Royals)
Jhoulys Chacin (Leones del Caracas)
Emmanuel De Jesus (Miami Marlins)
Edwin Escobar (Yokohama DeNa Baystars)
Luis Garcia (Houston Astros)
Norwith Gudino (Boston Red Sox)
Carlos Hernandez (Kansas City Royals)
Darwinzon Hernandez (Baltimore Orioles)
Elieser Hernandez (New York Mets)
Pablo Lopez (Minnesota Twins)
Jesus Lazardo (Miami Marlins)
Jhonathon Diaz (Los Angeles Angels)
Andres Machado (Washington Nationals)
German Marquez (Colorado Rockies)
Martin Perez (Texas Rangers)
Jose Quijada (Los Angeles Angels)
Eduardo Rodriguez (Detroit Tigers)
Jose Ruiz (Chicago White Sox)
Ranger Suarez (Philadelphia Phillies)
Anthony Vizcaya (Navegantes del Magallanes)
Catchers (Team)
Robison Chirinos (Navegantes del Magallanes)
Omar Narvaez (New York Mets)
Salvador Perez (Kansas City Royals)
Infielders (Team)
Jose Altuve (Houston Astros)
Luis Arraez (Miami Marlins)
Miguel Cabrera (Detroit Tigers)
Eduardo Escobar (New York Mets)
Andres Gimenez (Cleveland Guardians)
Luis Renigfo (Los Angeles Angels)
Miguel Rojas (Los Angeles Dodgers)
Eugenio Suarez (Seattle Mariners)
Gleyber Torres (New York Yankees)
Outfielders (Team)
Ronald Acuna Jr. (Atlanta Braves)
David Peralta (Los Angeles Dodgers)
Anthony Santander (Baltimore Orioles)
Coaching Staff
Manager – Omar Lopez
Bench Coach – Carlos Mendoza
Pitching Coach – Ivan Arteaga
Hitting Coach – Rodolfo Hernandez
Third Base Coach – Ramon Borrego
First Base Coach – Rouglas Odor
Bullpen Coach – Luis Ramirez
