Venezuela has announced key additions to its roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, captained by Salvador Perez. The team welcomes Ronald Acuña Jr., Maikel Garcia, Jackson Chourio and Wilyer Abreu, strengthening an already promising lineup. This follows Venezuela's quarterfinal appearance in the 2023 tournament.
Venezuela is positioning itself as a contender in the 2026 World Baseball Classic with a roster announcement on Thursday that includes several standout Major League Baseball players. Captain Salvador Perez will lead the squad, joined by Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr., Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia, Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio and Boston Red Sox outfielder Wilyer Abreu.
The additions build on Venezuela's performance in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, where the team advanced to the quarterfinals before a 9-7 loss to the United States. Venezuela is scheduled to open Pool D play on March 6, 2026, against the Netherlands at noon ET in Miami's loanDepot park.
Acuña returns for his second WBC appearance, having participated in 2023 prior to a remarkable season with 41 home runs and 73 stolen bases. Despite an ACL tear in May 2024, he rebounded with a .935 OPS, 21 home runs and nine stolen bases over 95 games.
Garcia makes his WBC debut after a breakout 2025 campaign, posting an .800 OPS, 16 home runs, 23 steals, 17 outs above average and 5.6 WAR according to FanGraphs. His performance prompted a long-term extension with the Royals this offseason.
Chourio, who had yet to debut in the majors during the 2023 WBC and ranked as MLB Pipeline's No. 8 prospect that year, has since emerged as a Brewers cornerstone. He has hit 20-plus home runs and stolen 20-plus bases in each of his first two MLB seasons, contributing to Milwaukee's recent success.
Abreu has solidified his role as a top all-around outfielder for the Red Sox, tying Arizona Diamondbacks' Corbin Carroll with 15 outs above average among right fielders since 2024 while maintaining a .784 OPS in that span.
These commitments highlight Venezuela's depth and talent pool, setting the stage for a competitive showing in the upcoming tournament.
