The 2026 World Baseball Classic rosters are officially out, and the Cincinnati Reds will be well represented on the global stage. Six players from the organization are suiting up for five different countries, headlined by a familiar face with a powerful bat and a few rising names looking to make their mark.
Eugenio Suárez Leads the Way for Venezuela
The biggest name on the Reds’ list is Eugenio Suárez, and rightfully so. The 24-year-old slugger, who recently rejoined the organization, holds the single-season home run record for a Venezuelan-born player with 49 bombs in 2019.
That broke the long-standing mark of 47 set by Andrés Galarraga back in 1996-and Suárez didn’t stop there. He matched that 49-homer total again last season, showing that the power is still very much intact.
With 325 career homers, Suárez ranks third all-time among Venezuelan MLB players, trailing only Galarraga (399) and the legendary Miguel Cabrera (511). This will be his second time representing Venezuela in the WBC. Back in 2023, he went 7-for-14 with a homer over four games-a small sample, sure, but one that showed he can deliver on the international stage.
Suárez brings more than just a big bat. He brings experience, leadership, and a deep pride in representing his home country. For Team Venezuela, he’s a cornerstone piece in a lineup that will look to do serious damage this March.
Edwin Arroyo Brings Momentum to Puerto Rico
Shortstop Edwin Arroyo is one of the Reds’ top prospects and will be suiting up for Puerto Rico. The 22-year-old spent all of 2025 with Double-A Chattanooga after missing the 2024 season recovering from shoulder surgery. That comeback story alone is impressive, but Arroyo didn’t just return-he performed.
He hit .284/.345/.371 over 120 games, showing solid contact skills and speed with 23 doubles, four triples, three homers, and 12 steals. He also drew 40 walks against 88 strikeouts, a decent ratio for a young player shaking off the rust.
Arroyo then took his talents to the Puerto Rican Winter League, where he helped lead Santurce to a league title. He slashed .355/.429/.468 in winter ball, looking every bit like a player on the rise. That momentum could carry over into the WBC, where he’ll get a chance to test himself against elite international competition.
Ivan Johnson Represents Great Britain
Infielder Ivan Johnson is taking a different route to the Classic, representing Great Britain despite being born and raised in the Atlanta area. Injuries limited him to just 58 games in 2025, but over the past two seasons with Triple-A Louisville, Johnson has quietly put together a solid offensive resume.
In 105 games, he’s slashed .252/.347/.452 with 17 doubles, four triples, and 13 home runs. That kind of pop from a middle infielder is valuable, and if he’s healthy, Johnson could be a key contributor for a British team looking to build on recent international momentum.
Alexander Vargas Joins Team Cuba
Alexander Vargas is a new name in the Reds system but one to watch. The infielder was released by the Yankees in August 2025 and quickly picked up by Cincinnati, who assigned him to High-A Dayton. In 18 games with the Dragons, Vargas hit .242/.294/.323 and swiped six bags.
While those numbers don’t jump off the page, it’s worth noting that Vargas has played at nearly every level of the minors since signing with the Yankees in 2019. He brings versatility and experience, and now he’ll get a chance to showcase his skills with Team Cuba. For a player looking to carve out a bigger role in a new organization, this is a valuable opportunity.
David Lorduy to Pitch for Colombia
Right-hander David Lorduy is coming off a solid 2025 campaign and will be representing Colombia. The 22-year-old spent most of the year with Single-A Daytona, making 15 starts and four relief appearances. He also logged a couple of rehab outings in Arizona.
Lorduy posted a 3.78 ERA over 69 innings, with 65 strikeouts and 26 walks. That’s a strong foundation for a young pitcher still developing his command and pitch mix.
For Team Colombia, he brings a live arm and some upside. For the Reds, this is a chance to see how he handles pressure situations against top-tier talent.
Ryjeteri Merite: A Surprise Addition for the Netherlands
Perhaps the most unexpected name on the Reds’ WBC list is left-hander Ryjeteri Merite, who will pitch for the Netherlands. At just 20 years old, Merite has yet to pitch outside the Dominican Summer League. But what he’s done in limited action has been eye-opening.
Over two seasons, Merite has thrown just 37 innings-but he’s made them count. He owns a 0.97 ERA with 48 strikeouts and 17 walks.
In 2025, he made 11 starts and three relief appearances, totaling 33.1 innings. It’s a small sample, but the results have been dominant.
Merite’s inclusion is a sign of how highly he’s regarded by the Netherlands’ coaching staff and perhaps a glimpse of his future potential. He’s raw, no doubt, but this kind of international experience could be a big stepping stone in his development.
Final Thoughts
The Reds may not be sending a full roster to the World Baseball Classic, but the six players they are sending offer a fascinating mix of established talent and rising prospects. From Suárez’s power bat anchoring Venezuela’s lineup to Arroyo’s breakout winter campaign for Puerto Rico, there’s plenty for Cincinnati fans to keep an eye on.
More importantly, this is a showcase. For veterans, it’s a chance to lead.
For prospects, it’s a chance to grow. And for the Reds organization, it’s a reminder that their pipeline is producing players who can compete on the world stage.