Colombia’s Road to the 2026 World Baseball Classic: A Team on the Rise
Colombia is gearing up for another run at the World Baseball Classic in 2026, having secured their spot with an undefeated performance and a decisive win over Germany in the 2025 qualifying tournament. This appearance marks the third time Colombia will compete on the world stage, and the team is aiming to build on previous showings.
Building a Competitive Roster
Manager José Mosquera expressed his pride in leading the Colombian team, emphasizing the opportunity to build a strong squad. The roster features a blend of experienced players and rising stars, including key additions like Jeter Downs and Gio Urshela, expected to bolster the team’s core.
The Official Roster Breakdown
- Manager: José Mosquera
- Receptores: Jorge Alfaro, Elías Díaz, Carlos Martínez
- Infielders: Michael Arroyo, Jordan Díaz, Dayan Frías, Reynaldo Rodríguez, Donovan Solano, Gio Urshela
- Outfielders: Brayan Buelvas, Gustavo Campero, Jesús Marriaga, Harold Ramírez
- Lanzadores: Elkin Alcalá, Adrián Almeida, Austin Bergner, Danis Correa, Nabil Crismatt, Pedro García, Río Gómez, Yapson Gómez, Tayron Guerrero, David Lorduy, Emerson Martínez, Luis Patiño, José Quintana, Jhon Romero, Reiver Sanmartín, Julio Teherán, Guillo Zúñiga
Key Players to Watch
José Quintana will captain the team, bringing a wealth of experience from over a decade in Major League Baseball. Julio Teherán adds further veteran presence to the pitching staff. The team’s lineup also boasts established MLB players across multiple positions.
Addressing Roster Concerns
The Colombian roster appears strong, with most of their Major League players represented. The only notable absence is Oscar Mercado.
Colombia’s Past Performance in the WBC
Colombia’s best finish in the World Baseball Classic came in 2017, when they reached the second round and finished 12th overall. In 2023, they finished 15th. The team is looking to improve upon these results in 2026.
Projected Lineup for the Classic
| Player | Position |
|---|---|
| Gustavo Campero | Left Fielder |
| Michael Arroyo | Second Base |
| Harold Ramírez | Right Fielder |
| Jesús Marriaga | Center Fielder |
| Gio Urshela | Third Base |
| Jorge Alfaro | Designated Hitter |
| Donovan Solano | First Base |
| Elías Díaz | Catcher |
| Dayan Frías | Shortstop |
Projected Pitching Rotation
| Pitcher | |
|---|---|
| José Quintana | Left-Handed |
| Julio Teherán | Right-Handed |
| Nabil Crismatt | Right-Handed |
| Luis Patiño | Right-Handed |
Group Stage Matchups
Colombia will compete in Group A, hosted at the Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico, against Cuba, Panama, Puerto Rico, and Canada.
Where to Watch Colombia Play
Games will be broadcast on FOX Sports and also available on Win Sports and RCN in Colombia. Streaming options include MLB.tv.
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