Venezuela announces Ronald Acuña Jr. addition to World Baseball Classic roster

Venezuela has an elite roster on their hands for the WBC

MIAMI, FL - MARCH 18: Ronald Acuna Jr. #42 of Team Venezuela hits a one RBI sacrifice fly to take the lead in the fifth inning during the 2023 World Baseball Classic Quarterfinal game between Team USA and Team Venezuela at loanDepot Park on Saturday, March 18, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/WBCI/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

It is official, Ronald Acuña Jr. will be playing for Team Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic this year for his second appearance since debuting with the team in 2023 during the WBC.

That year, he experienced going to the quarterfinals with the team, but fell to Team USA in the end.

It was just last November when it was announced that Kansas City Royals’ Salvador Perez would take the role as captain for Team Venezuela, but it was unknown how the remainder of the roster would shake up after more players seemed to announce their commitments to their respective teams.

Finally, this Thursday (1/29), additions have been made to join Perez as Ronald Acuña Jr, Wilyer Abreu, Maikel Garcia, and Jackson Chourio have been announced to represent the team.

Acuña made an epic comeback last season when he returned in May and played a total of 95 games with a .935 OPS. Presented with the National League’s Comeback Player of the Year title, he is looking forward to picking up where he left off with a healthy season with the Braves. First off, though, an appearance with his home team, before entering the 2026 season.

Venezuela is set to play in Pool D of the World Baseball Classic on March 6 against the Netherlands at 12:00 p.m ET at loanDepot park in Miami.

Category: General Sports