Nolan Arenado Strengthens Puerto Rico for the 2026 World Baseball Classic
The stellar third baseman Nolan Arenado, recognized for his multiple Gold Gloves and eight All-Star Game appearances, joins the Puerto Rico national team for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The news was confirmed this Monday, a few days after his transfer from the St. Louis Cardinals to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Arenado, with Puerto Rican and Cuban roots, previously represented the United States in the 2017 and 2023 editions of the tournament. In the most recent edition, he stood out with a batting average of .385, connecting 10 hits in 26 at-bats, with four extra-base hits and five RBIs, contributing to the United States’ runner-up finish.Arenado will strengthen the infield alongside the Mets’ shortstop, Francisco Lindor, who is the captain of the Puerto Rican team. Puerto Rico has reached the World Baseball Classic final twice, achieving the runner-up position in 2013 and 2017. Puerto Rico’s debut in the 2026 tournament is scheduled for March 6, facing Colombia at the start of Group A’s group stage, which will be played at Hiram Bithorn Stadium. Cuba, Panama, and Canada are also part of this group.Changing teams is not unprecedented. In the 2023 Classic, pitcher Marcus Stroman, Most Valuable Player of the 2017 tournament with the United States, represented Puerto Rico.
Alofoke Deportes
