Nolan Arenado is a World Baseball Classic veteran, but he will be suiting up for Puerto Rico for the first time next month.
The new Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman previously played for the United States in 2017 and 2023.
The 34-year-old Arenado’s mother is of Puerto Rican descent.
A native of Newport Beach, CA, Arenado appeared in seven games for the U.S. in 2023 as the team finished as runners-up to Japan. He was 10-for-26 (.385) with five runs batted in.
Arenado is set to embark on his 14th big league season. He appeared in 107 games for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2025, batting .237 with 98 hits, 12 home runs, 52 runs batted in and a .666 OPS.
Puerto Rico is set to compete in Pool A alongside Canada, Cuba, Panama and Colombia. All of the games will be played at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan. Puerto Rico, managed by Arenado’s former Cards teammate Yadier Molina, opens its tournament on Mar. 6 against Colombia.