Will Two Beloved Red Sox Players Join Team Mexico In The 2026 WBC?

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Post on May 20, 2025

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Will Betts and Devers Don the Green? Red Sox Stars Eyed for Team Mexico in 2026 WBC

Baseball fans are buzzing with speculation: could two of the Boston Red Sox's most beloved players, Mookie Betts and Rafael Devers, be suiting up for Team Mexico in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC)? The possibility, while exciting, raises intriguing questions about eligibility, loyalty, and the future of international baseball.

The current WBC rules allow players to represent the country of their heritage, regardless of where they were born or played professionally. This opens the door for players with Latin American roots to choose to represent their ancestral homelands. Both Betts and Devers have strong ties to Mexico, making their potential participation a significant storyline.

Betts' Mexican Heritage and WBC Potential

While Mookie Betts is a prominent figure in American baseball, his family history includes significant Mexican roots. This heritage makes him eligible to play for Team Mexico, a possibility that has fueled considerable speculation among fans and analysts alike. His potential inclusion would add a significant power element to the Mexican lineup. His exceptional defensive skills in the outfield would also be a major asset.

Devers' Eligibility and the Allure of Team Mexico

Rafael Devers, a Dominican-born star, is not directly eligible to represent Mexico based on heritage alone. However, the WBC's eligibility rules are nuanced. While his nationality is Dominican, his eligibility for Team Mexico remains a topic of discussion, given the increasing flexibility the WBC has shown over the years, and the potential for exceptions or special cases. Even if officially ineligible, his inclusion could trigger intense debate and media attention.

The Impact on the Red Sox and MLB

The potential participation of Betts and Devers in the 2026 WBC for Team Mexico could have significant implications for the Red Sox and Major League Baseball (MLB) as a whole. Their absence from spring training could affect team preparation and potentially impact the start of the regular season.

• Lost Spring Training Time: The WBC often takes place during spring training, meaning participating players miss valuable preparation time with their MLB teams.
• Injury Risk: The intensity of the WBC increases the risk of injury for participating players.
• Increased International Interest: The inclusion of star players like Betts and Devers would undoubtedly heighten global interest in the tournament.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Whether or not Betts and Devers will ultimately represent Team Mexico in 2026 remains to be seen. Much will depend on their personal choices, the evolving WBC rules, and the strategic decisions made by both the players and their respective organizations. However, the mere possibility highlights the growing internationalization of baseball and the evolving landscape of national team representation.

The 2026 WBC promises to be a captivating tournament, and the potential inclusion of these Red Sox stars adds another layer of intrigue to this already anticipated event. Keep an eye on the news for updates as we draw closer to the tournament. The question remains: will we see Betts and Devers donning the green and red of Team Mexico? Only time will tell.