If you’re looking for a sleeper team to win it all in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, Mexico might just fit the bill. Team Mexico will bring an experienced and exciting group to the World Baseball Classic, including a very potent pitching staff. With that said, let’s take a closer look Team Mexico.
Related: A Look at Team Columbia at the 2023 World Baseball Classic
Pitchers
- Erubiel Armenta
- Javier Assad
- Manny Barreda
- Victor Castaneda
- Luis Cessa
- Jesus Cruz
- Giovanny Gallegos
- Felipe Gonzalez
- Adrian Martinez
- Oliver Pérez
- JoJo Romero
- Roel Ramirez
- Alan Rangel
- Gerardo Reyes
- Wilmer Rios
- Jake Sanchez
- Patrick Sandoval
- Julio Urías
- José Urquidy
- Cesar Vargas
- Taijuan Walker
- Samuel Zazueta
Team Mexico’s rotation is set to be one of the most formidable ones in the tournament. Mexico can run out a group that features two of the game’s best left-handers, as well as righties Taijuan Walker and José Urquidy.
And as for the bullpen, longtime MLB veteran Oliver Pérez will be joined alongside former Cardinal Roel Ramirez, JoJo Romero, Luis Cessa, and Giovanny Gallegos. One of the game’s best late-inning relievers, Gallegos struck out 73 over 59 innings and posted a strong 3.05 ERA for the Cardinals in 2022.
Position Players
- Jonathan Aranda (INF)
- Randy Arozarena (OF)
- Austin Barnes (C)
- Jose Cardona (OF)
- Jarren Duran (OF)
- Alejandro Kirk (C)*
- Joey Meneses (INF)
- Isaac Paredes (INF)
- Rowdy Tellez (INF)
- Alek Thomas (OF)
- Alan Trejo (INF)
- Luis Urías (INF)
- Roberto Valenzuela (INF)
- Alex Verdugo (OF)
- Alexis Wilson (C)
*denoted injury and will not participate
One of just nine 20-20 players in the Majors last season, Cuban-born Randy Arozarena — who we picked as one of the best left fielders in baseball — headlines a formidable group of Team Mexico position players. Arozarena will be joined in the outfield alongside two youngsters in Alek Thomas and Jarren Duran, and Alex Verdugo.
Mexico’s infield is set to boast plenty of power. Rays infielder Isaac Paredes, who hit 20 home runs for Tampa last season, will join a stout infield that includes Nationals 1B/OF Joey Meneses, Luis Urías, and Rowdy Tellez. Tellez hit a team-high 35 home runs for the Brewers last season.