Colombia and Brazil will meet during the nightcap of day one of the World Baseball Classic Qualifier in Tucson. It will be a rematch of the 2023 Pan American Games gold medal game. Colombia won that game 9-1 for a historic gold medal. This time around, the matchup takes even greater meaning. The winner of this game takes a massive step toward qualifying for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Colombia’s manager José Mosquera announced that former major leaguer Julio Teherán will get the ball. He had a 3.85 ERA in 255 career MLB appearances. He pitched against Canada at the 2017 World Baseball Classic, winning with five innings and one run.
One of the players to watch offensively for Colombia is Mariners second base prospect Michael Arroyo. He had a .915 OPS and 12 HR for A+ Everett in 2024, one of two 19-year-olds to have an OPS over .900 at A+.
Gio Urshela is another name to watch. The only active major leaguer in this qualifier. He had an OPS of .711 and 4 HR with the Braves after being released by the Tigers. He’ll hit in the middle of the order, start at third and be counted as a run producer.
Brazil enters the qualifiers and is looking to make the World Baseball Classic for the first time since 2013. Three years ago, they lost their final two games of qualifying to narrowly miss a return to the WBC. This time, they’ll look to finally get back.
One of the pitchers to watch is Bo Takahashi. He plays for the Seibu Lions of Nippon Professional Baseball. In 2024, Takahashi had a 3.22 ERA in 72 2/3 innings with 48 strikeouts. He should be Brazil’s best starter in the qualifier.
Eric Pardinho will be a notable reliever. He pitched in Toronto’s organization and reached Triple-A in 2024. Between Double-A and Triple-A, he had a 3.25 ERA and 66 strikeouts in 55 1/3 innings. He should be this team’s closer.
Offensively, Leonardo Reginatto will be one of Brazil’s key players. He had an OPS of .827 in the Mexican Baseball League in 2024 with 7 HR.
This game is a battle of the expected top 2 teams in the pool. Winner takes a huge step towards World Baseball Classic qualification.
Prediction:
Colombia enters this tournament with far and away the best offense and deepest pitching staff. Expect that to show in game 1. Colombia 6-2.
