If you’ve been tuned in, the World Baseball Classic has been great television. Instead of
watching Braves Spring Training for three innings before realizing you don’t know any of the
players in the game, you can and should be watching the World Baseball Classic. With
the first round coming to an end this week, you might be wondering how many current
and former Braves are in the WBC. The answer might surprise you! Let’s check in to
see how current friends and old friends are doing:
Current Braves:
Ronald Acuna Jr – Venezuela
.143 (1/7), 3 BBs
In pure Ronnie fashion, he roped the first pitch of Venezuela’s WBC match against The
Netherlands into left center field for a double. He has been on base four times so far
and has been seen dancing in the dugout before each match. It’s safe to say that
Ronald is having fun and looks primed for a great season in 2026.
Ozzie Albies – The Netherlands
.273 (3/11), 1 HR, 4 RBIs
Ozzie made a huge splash on Saturday night when he hit a 3-run walk off homerun
against Nicaragua. It was also noticeable that he hit that homerun left-handed – a side
of the plate he struggled from mightily last season. He is looking healthy from that
broken hamate bone he suffered in September, which is exciting for the Braves as they
need his pop this summer.
Chadwick Tromp – The Netherlands
.100 (1/10)
Tromp has gone back and forth between AAA and the backup catcher role in Atlanta the
past few seasons, and he is set up for a similar role this season with Drake Baldwin,
Sean Murphy (when healthy), and newly signed Jonah Heim in front of him. He is off to
a slow start for The Netherlands so far in this WBC.
Nacho Alvarez Jr. – Mexico
.333 (2/6), 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1 BB
Nacho got some decent playing time last season for the Braves with all the injuries, and
he is off to a hot start with Mexico in the WBC. He is hoping for a bench role with the
Braves this season, and the small sample size so far for Mexico is promising.
Jurickson Profar – The Netherlands
.000 – Suspended
Sorry, I couldn’t help myself. He would’ve been a huge help to The Netherlands and the
Braves this year…
Former Friends:
Eddie Rosario – Puerto Rico
.200 (1/5), 1 RBI, 3 BBs
Our beloved king, Eddie Rosario, is playing well for Puerto Rico so far. Although you
may not recognize him as he bleached his beard blonde for Team Puerto Rico. It’s
always good to see Eddie doing well and having fun.
William Contreras – Venezuela
.000 (0/3)
“Wild Bill” only has 3 at-bats for Team Venezuela so far, but we expect that to change in
the upcoming games. Venezuela is a big threat in the World Baseball Classic, and he
and Ronnie are a big reason why.
Johan Camargo – Panama
.143 (1/7), 1 RBI
Johan Camargo, who was previously battling Austin Riley for the starting third baseman
job in 2020 (Crazy, right?), is now playing multiple positions for Team Panama. He is
living up to his role as a super utility player, playing all over the infield in the WBC.
Gio Urshela – Colombia
.286 (2/7), 4 BBs
Remember the Gio Urshela days in 2024? He is playing Third Base for Team Colombia
and is playing well for them so far, getting on base 6 times in 3 games.
Christian Bethancourt – Panama
.333 (3/9), 1 RBI
Converted Catcher, then Pitcher, now First Baseman? Bethancourt, once a highly
touted prospect for the Braves, is still playing and playing well for Team Panama.
Stuart Fairchild – Chinese Taipei
.250 (3/12), 6 RBIs, 4BBs
Stuart Fairchild played more than he probably should have for the Braves due to
injuries, but he has a whopping 6 RBIs for Chinese Taipei. He has quietly had a great
World Baseball Classic for Chinese Taipei.
World Baseball Classic action continues today with the Quarterfinals starting this
weekend.
