Venezuela’s 2026 WBC Roster Is Loaded - And Ready to Make Noise
The World Baseball Classic is back this March, and Venezuela is coming in with something to prove. Despite being one of the most talent-rich baseball nations on the planet, the WBC has never quite gone their way. A fifth-place finish in 2023 marked their second-best showing in tournament history - a solid result, but still short of the championship expectations that come with wearing that jersey.
This year, though? There’s a different energy around this squad.
Venezuela is rolling into Pool D with one of the most dangerous lineups in the tournament and a pitching staff that, while not as stacked as Team USA’s, is deep with big-league arms. The pieces are there for a serious run.
Star Power in the Outfield
Let’s start with the headliner: **Ronald Acuña Jr. ** When healthy, he’s one of the best players in the world - and just two years removed from a season that redefined what a leadoff hitter could be.
Acuña brings elite power, speed, and swagger to the top of Venezuela’s lineup. He’s the kind of player who can change a game with one swing or one stolen base - and in a short tournament like the WBC, that matters.
Backing him up in the outfield is Jackson Chourio, one of the brightest young stars in baseball. Chourio’s blend of athleticism, bat speed, and defensive range makes him a perfect complement to Acuña. And don’t sleep on Wilyer Abreu, who’s coming off a strong stretch in Boston and could be a key left-handed bat in this righty-heavy lineup.
A Veteran Core Behind the Plate
Few teams can match Venezuela’s strength at catcher. William Contreras is one of the best all-around backstops in the game - a hitter who can do damage in the heart of the order and a solid defender behind the dish. Pair him with Salvador Perez, a seasoned leader and former World Series MVP, and you’ve got the kind of catching tandem that can guide a pitching staff through the pressure cooker of international play.
Infield Balance of Power and Glove Work
The infield is a mix of proven MLB regulars and rising stars. Luis Arraez, one of the toughest outs in baseball, will likely set the table with his elite bat-to-ball skills.
Gleyber Torres, Andrés Giménez, and Eugenio Suárez bring pop and versatility to the middle of the field. Maikel Garcia and Ezequiel Tovar offer strong gloves and sneaky offensive upside, while Willson Contreras adds even more veteran presence - this time at first base.
It’s a group that can mash, defend, and move guys over when needed. In other words, they’re built for tournament baseball.
Pitching Depth, If Not Dominance
While Venezuela’s pitching staff might not have the same star-studded shine as their lineup, there’s real depth here - and that could be the difference in a grueling WBC format.
Ranger Suárez, fresh off a big-money deal with Boston, gives them a reliable lefty who can handle tough lineups with poise. Pablo López, Eduardo Rodríguez, and Germán Márquez all bring years of MLB experience to the rotation. And in the bullpen, guys like José Alvarado, Antonio Senzatela, and Daniel Palencia can bring high-leverage heat.
There’s also a good mix of lefties and righties, which gives the coaching staff flexibility in matchups - a key factor in tight, late-inning WBC games.
No Prospects, All Pros
Unlike some other rosters that feature up-and-coming talent, Venezuela’s 2026 squad is made up entirely of current major leaguers. There are no prospect tags here. This is a team of professionals, many of whom have played in the postseason, some in the World Series, and all of whom are used to the pressure of high-stakes baseball.
Pool D Outlook
Venezuela lands in Pool D, alongside the Dominican Republic, Netherlands, Israel, and Nicaragua. It’s a tough group, especially with the Dominican bringing its usual firepower, but Venezuela has the talent to come out on top.
The games will be played in Miami from March 6-11, which should feel like a home crowd for Venezuela - expect plenty of energy in the stands and on the field.
Bottom Line: Venezuela has the bats, the arms, and the experience to make a real run in 2026. The lineup is deep, the pitching is better than it’s been in years, and with Acuña Jr. leading the charge, this team isn’t just hoping to make noise - they’re ready to contend.