With the 2026 World Baseball Classic set to begin in March, the preliminary roster for Venezuela is here. Initial rosters are subject to change. Read on below for our team summary and breakdown of top players and prospects to know.

Find all of our WBC coverage here.

Team Summary: For a baseball-rich country like Venezuela, the WBC has been fraught with disappointment. Their fifth-place finish in the 2023 WBC was the country’s second-highest finish in five tournaments. Things could be different in 2026, however, as the Venezuelans have one of the best lineups in the tournament led by a star-studded outfield of Ronald Acuna Jr., Jackson Chourio and Wilyer Abreu. The pitching doesn’t compare to the United States but does feature a mix of a dozen current big league starters and relievers. 

Top Players: Ronald Acuna Jr. is one of the best players in the world when healthy. He’s just two years removed from an all-time season and could provide true impact in the middle of the Venezuelan lineup. Ranger Suarez just signed a lucrative multi-year contract with the Red Sox and gives the Venezuelan rotation a tough lefty capable of efficiently navigating lineups. The Venezuelan catching duo of William Contreras and Salvador Perez is arguably the best in the tournament, with Perez providing veteran leadership and Contreras bringing a great balance of hitting ability and defense. Jackson Chourio is one of the brightest young stars in the game and will add a bunch of offensive firepower behind Acuna in this talented Venezuelan lineup. 

Best Prospects: No player on the Venezuelan team is still prospect eligible. Like with the Dominican Republic, this is a roster full of MLB regulars.

Pool D

Venezuela

Dominican Republic

Netherlands

Israel

Nicaragua

Dates/Location: March 6-11, Miami, Florida.

Venezuela World Baseball Classic Roster

playerposbatsthrowsheightweightagemlb orgclubAlvarado, JoséLHPLL6-0227030PHIPhiladelphia PhilliesBazardo, EduardRHPRR6-0015530SEASeattle MarinersButtó, JoséRHPRR6-0120227SFSan Francisco GiantsDe Jesus, EnmanuelLHPLL6-0218529DETToledo Mud Hens (AAA)Gómez, YoendrysRHPRR6-0220226TBTampa Bay RaysGuzman, CarlosRHPRR6-0119827NYMBinghamton Rumble Ponies (AA)López, PabloRHPLR6-0422129MINMinnesota TwinsMachado, AndrésRHPRR6-0022032Orix Buffaloes (JPN)Márquez, GermánRHPRR6-0122530COLColorado RockiesMontero, KeiderRHPRR6-0121325DETDetroit TigersMosqueda, OddanierLHPLL5-1015526PITIndianapolis Indians (AAA)Palencia, DanielRHPRR6-0021726CHCChicago CubsRodriguez, EduardoLHPLL6-0222032AZArizona DiamondbacksSánchez, RicardoLHPLL5-1022028Navegantes del Magallanes (VEN)Senzatela, AntonioRHPRR6-0224631COLColorado RockiesSuárez, RangerLHPLL6-0117830BOSBoston Red SoxZerpa, AngelLHPLL6-0023326MILMilwaukee BrewersContreras, WilliamCRR6-0021228MILMilwaukee BrewersPerez, SalvadorCRR6-0327835KCKansas City RoyalsArraez, Luis1BLR5-1020128SFSan Francisco GiantsContreras, Willson1BRR6-0121033BOSBoston Red SoxGarcia, Maikel3BRR6-0016825KCKansas City RoyalsGiménez, Andrés2B/SSLR5-1116027TORToronto Blue JaysSuárez, Eugenio3BRR5-1120534CINCincinnati RedsTorres, Gleyber2BRR5-1121229DETDetroit TigersTovar, EzequielSSRR6-0118724COLColorado RockiesAbreu, WilyerRFLL5-1021526BOSBoston Red SoxAcuna Jr., RonaldRFRR6-0020528ATLAtlanta BravesChourio, JacksonCFRR6-0119821MILMilwaukee BrewersSanoja, JavierOFRR5-0915023MIAMiami Marlins