Wilyer Abreu is officially taking part in the World Baseball Classic.
The Red Sox outfielder was announced as a member of Team Venezuela on Thursday afternoon by the WBC’s official social media accounts. Abreu was among a number of players confirmed for Venezuela’s roster, a group that will also include catcher Salvador Perez, Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. and Brewers phenom Jackson Chourio.
Abreu’s participation was expected, and with the news official he will now suit up for his home country in the WBC for the first time.
Abreu made his MLB debut a few months after the last WBC took place in 2023 and has gone on to become one of the game’s most promising all-around outfielders. The 26-year-old finished sixth in the 2024 AL Rookie of the Year vote and is already a two-time Gold Glove winner in right field.
Last season he enjoyed a solid showing at the plate, batting .247 with 22 home runs, 69 RBI and a .786 OPS, though injuries have limited him to 132 and 115 games in his first two full seasons as a big leaguer.
In addition to Abreu, other Red Sox players who are expected to take part in the WBC include right-hander Garrett Whitlock (USA), left-hander Aroldis Chapman (Great Britain), right-hander Brayan Bello (Dominican Republic) and outfielders Ceddanne Rafaela (Netherlands) and Jarren Duran (Mexico).
New first baseman Willson Contreras said at his recent introductory press conference that he hopes to play for Venezuela as well but was having trouble getting cleared by insurance, and infielder Marcelo Mayer is dealing with similar issues getting approved for Team Mexico.