Team Nicaragua did not win a game in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, as the country was stuck into a deep pool alongside Venezuela, Puerto Rico, and the Domincian Republic. It won’t be easy for the country to have success in 2026, as Nicaragua’s roster isn’t as deep compared to other teams in the tournament. However, there are several current & former Major Leaguers on the roster.
Pitchers
- LHP Danilo Bermudez
- RHP Kenword Burton
- RHP Stiven Cruz (Brewers)
- RHP Osman Gutierrez
- RHP Duque Hebbert (Tigers)
- RHP Ronald Medrano
- LHP Dilmer Mejia
- RHP Angel Obando
- RHP Erasmo Ramirez
- RHP JC Ramirez
- LHP Oscar Rayo (Royals)
- RHP Carlos Rodriguez (Brewers)
- LHP Carlos Teller
- RHP Bryan Torres
Three years ago, Duque Hebbert struck out the side in his only appearance of the 2023 WBC against the Dominican Republic. In that outing, he punched out Juan Soto, Julio Rodriguez, and Manny Machado, a performance that earned him a contract with Detroit.
Since then, Hebbert has slowly moved up the ranks. Hebbert made it as high as Double-A, even though he spent most of 2024 and 2025 in Low-A.
He’s one of several pitchers contracted to a MLB team. Although, that list isn’t as long compared to other countries.
Oscar Rayo spent last season in the Royals organization as a Double-A reliever. Stiven Cruz, meanwhile, spent 2025 with High-A, his third at the level.
Arguably, though, the most notable pitcher on Team Nicaragua is Carlos Rodriguez. Rodriguez, a 24-year-old right-hander, has worked well as a starter in the Milwaukee organization. He can miss bats, an asset that’s worked well out of the Brewers’ bullpen.
He has 20 career strikeouts in 22 MLB innings.
Former Major Leaguers Erasmo Ramirez and JC Ramirez are also on the roster.
Catchers
Melvin Novoa, who last played affiliated baseball in 2021, spent six seasons in the Rangers organization. He went 0-8 in the 2023 WBC.
Rivera has never played affiliated baseball.
Infielders
- INF Benjamin Alegria
- INF Cheslor Cuthbert
- MI Jeter Downs
- INF Brandon Leyton
- INF Jose Orozco
- INF Elian Rayo
- INF Emanuel Trujillo
- CI Mark Vientos (Mets)
- MI Freddy Zamora (Brewers)
Mark Vientos is the headliner for Team Nicaragua.
Vientos, who played for the U.S. national team as a high school player, will suit up for Nicaragua and look to provide power and runs scored for the country. He’ll be needed, as Vientos is the only active Major Leaguer on the roster.
Cheslor Cuthbert, a former top prospect in the Royals system and former Major Leaguer, is back for the 2026 WBC. Cuthbert spent parts of six seasons in the Majors between 2015 and 2020. He went 1-13 with in the 2023 event.
Former Major Leaguer Jeter Downs, much like Cuthbert, was a former top prospect in his own right. He was one of several notables to go from Los Angeles to Boston in the Mookie Betts trade. Between 2022 and 2023, Downs received 50 MLB plate appearances.
As for the other notables, Benjamin Alegria and Brandon Leyton are back. Alegria had six hits in three games in 2023 to pace the team, while Leyton had three in four.
Freddy Zamora, a former scond-round pick, will also suit up for Nicaragua. Zamora was a standout defender at Miami (FL) but has been an inconsistent hitter at a pro.
Outfielders
- OF Chase Dawson
- OF Omar Mendoza
- OF Juan Montes
- OF Ismael Munguia (Blue Jays)
- OF Cristhian Sandoval
Ismael Munguia spent a decade in the Minors. Munguia spent 91 contests with Triple-A Scranton last season, where he slashed .246/.313/.342. He’s now a member of the Blue Jays organization.
Chase Dawson played four years with Valparaiso before he parlayed that into an independent baseball career. Dawson hit .211 in 26 games with Schaumberg in the Frontier League last season.
Juan Montes, who had four hits in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, spent some time in the Orioles organization. Montes last played in affiliated baseball during the 2019 season.
Check out more of our MLB coverage, including a look at Team Mexico.