On Thursday, Ronald Acuña Jr. confirmed he will represent Team Venezuela in this March’s World Baseball Classic.
Ronald Acuña Jr. is ready to show out in the #WorldBaseballClassic 😤
La Bestia will play for Team Venezuela! pic.twitter.com/EQvj8yDrDp
— MLB (@MLB) January 29, 2026
Acuña has not hidden his intentions since the start of the offseason. He played in the Venezuelan Winter League — where he dominated, hitting .358 with four home runs and 11 stolen bases in just 16 games — and he always planned on representing his home country in the World Baseball Classic.
Because of Acuña’s injury history, there’s always pushback when it comes to him playing baseball year-round. But as I’ve said before, this is a player who only knows one speed: all systems go. Trying to rein him in would be a mistake. And for anyone concerned, it’s worth remembering that the last time Acuña participated in both the Venezuelan Winter League and the World Baseball Classic was ahead of the 2023 season. That year, he hit 41 home runs, stole 73 bases, and made history on his way to the National League MVP award.
The World Baseball Classic runs from March 5 through March 17. Venezuela will compete in Pool D alongside a loaded Dominican Republic roster, as well as the Netherlands, Israel, and Nicaragua.
—
Photo: Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire