The Colombia national baseball team is gearing up for an exciting run in the upcoming World Baseball Classic (WBC), seeking to advance beyond the group stage for the first time in its history. Led by a pair of experienced pitchers from the 2024 New York Mets, Team Colombia is poised for a competitive presence in the tournament.
Jose Quintana will take the mound as the team captain for Colombia’s opening match against Puerto Rico, set for Friday in San Juan. With a solid track record in postseason play, Quintana brings invaluable experience to the team. At 37 years old, he has pitched for eight MLB teams over a career spanning 14 years, compiling a record of 113-110 and a 3.76 ERA. After a two-year stint with the Mets where he went 13-16 with a 3.70 ERA, Quintana now hopes to lead Colombia to its first significant victory in the WBC.
Following Quintana in the rotation is Julio Teheran, a former ace with the Atlanta Braves and a brief 2024 appearance with the Mets. At 35, Teheran has a career record of 81-82 with a 3.85 ERA over 13 MLB seasons, though he faced challenges last year with a 6.95 ERA in an independent league in Mexico.
Colombian offense will feature players like third baseman Gio Urshela, who recently joined the Minnesota Twins, Jorge Alfaro with the Kansas City Royals, and free agent Donovan Solano, who demonstrated power by hitting three home runs with the Mariners last season. One of the most intriguing prospects to watch is 21-year-old Michael Arroyo, a promising middle infielder in the Mariners organization. Arroyo hit 17 home runs across Double-A and High-A last season and is ranked as the No. 67 prospect on MLB Pipeline, adding excitement to the team’s lineup.
The coaching staff is led by Jose Mosquera, who has firsthand experience in the game and previously served as a minor league coach and manager. His background also includes time as a scout, making him well-equipped to guide the team in this competitive endeavor.
Historically, Colombia has had a mixed experience in the WBC, holding a 2-5 record across two prior appearances, with their standout upset against Mexico in 2023 showcasing their potential. The team has faced tough opponents, including the eventual champions and reached thrilling moments in previous tournaments.
Colombia’s first game against Puerto Rico kicks off at 6 p.m. ET, amidst competitive surroundings in Pool A, where it will also face Canada, Cuba, and Panama. This pool is considered one of the toughest, with all teams ranking closely within the top 14 according to MMO’s Robert Colonna, who places Colombia at No. 13.
With the chance to make history on the line, Colombian fans are hopeful that their team can capitalize on its talent and experience to advance further in this prestigious international competition. The upcoming WBC represents a pivotal opportunity for Colombia to not only showcase its baseball talent but to unify its supporters in pursuit of a common goal.