Nicaragua’s baseball manager, Sandor Guido, has revealed a 28-player roster for the upcoming World Baseball Classic Qualifier. The tournament is set to take place in Taipei City from February 21 to 25. This is an exciting opportunity for the team to showcase their talent on an international stage.
Leading the pitching staff is right-hander Ronald Medrano. Medrano had a standout season with Aguascalientes Rieleros in the Mexican Baseball League and was part of the Jalisco Charros, who clinched the Mexican Pacific League title. Another strong arm, Kenword Burton, made waves playing for Boer Indios in the German Pomares League. Veteran Juan Carlos Ramirez brings a wealth of experience, having pitched five seasons in Major League Baseball and also in the Chinese Professional Baseball League.
On the offensive side, Nicaragua’s roster has some promising talent, even without former MLB star Cheslor Cuthbert due to injury. Emanuel Trujillo, a young first-baseman, will be one to watch. At just 23, he shined in the Nicaragua Winter League, hitting five home runs and bringing in 18 RBIs in 32 games. Third baseman Elian Rayo had a strong season with the San Francisco Giants’ Single-A team, while Elian Miranda led the Pomares League with 19 home runs last season. His performance in the Nicaragua Winter League final series with Tren del Norte showcased his power-hitting abilities.
Trujillo and pitchers Bryan Torres and Axel Zapata played crucial roles in helping Nicaragua secure a bronze medal at the WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup 2024. Their teamwork and determination will be vital as they prepare for the qualifier.
Coached by Anibal Vega, who previously managed Nicaragua at the WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup, the team also has valuable input from pitching coach Lenin Picota and third-base coach Dorian Garcia. Other key members of the coaching staff include bench coach Julio Sanchez and bullpen coach Cairo Murillo.
Nicaragua is currently ranked 16th in the world and will compete against some tough opponents in Taipei: No. 2 Chinese Taipei, No. 24 Spain, and No. 31 South Africa.
Meanwhile, in Tucson, Arizona, from March 2 to 6, teams like Brazil, China, Colombia, and Germany will battle it out in their own qualifier.
The top teams from each group will move on to the World Baseball Classic in 2026. This tournament is a great chance for Nicaragua to make a statement on the global baseball scene.
