Salvador Pérez is named Venezuela's captain for the 2026 World Baseball Classic

SANTO DOMINGO. – The Venezuelan selection will have a clearly identified leader for the 2026 World Baseball Classic: Salvador Pérez. The historic catcher was officially designated captain of the vinotinto team, consolidating his role as a central figure of a team that will seek to make history in March.

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Pérez, one of the most influential players in Venezuelan baseball and in Major Leagues, will be the face of the team in what will be his fourth participation in a World Baseball Classic. The veteran has been present in each edition since 2013, when he debuted at just 23 years old and before becoming a multiple All-Star Game selection.

A leader with World Cup star numbers

His most outstanding performance in the tournament came in 2023, when he was a key player for Venezuela to be one step away from the semifinals. That year, Pérez batted for .429/.467/.929 with a home run, four doubles and six RBIs, five of them in the memorable 9-6 victory over Puerto Rico. His performance led him to be part of the All-Star Team of the event. In eight games played in Classics, Pérez accumulates an outstanding offensive line of .346/.393/.808, with two home runs and eight RBIs.

Manager Omar López bets on his leadership

Leader Omar López had announced months ago that Pérez, along with José Altuve, would be one of the pillars of the selection towards the 2026 tournament. “Salvador Pérez and José Altuve can serve as the guide or standard-bearers of our national team”, López pointed out. “Our strength will be the depth of the team; we will have a great pitching staff for this upcoming World Baseball Classic”.

An elite generation of receivers behind their captain

Although Pérez will wear the captain’s band, Venezuela will have one of the most talented groups of catchers in the world. Among the possible companions are:

Willson Contreras
William Contreras
Gabriel Moreno
Francisco Álvarez

All with Major League experience and the ability to contribute both offensively and behind the plate.

Venezuela’s Debut in Miami

La Vinotinto will begin its participation in the tournament on March 6, 2026, in Miami, when it faces the Netherlands. The Venezuelan group will seek to repeat —or improve— its best historical performance: the third place obtained in 2009. With Salvador Pérez as captain and a mix of youth, experience, and depth, Venezuela presents itself as one of the most complete teams heading to the 2026 World Baseball Classic.