Panama National Team Prepares for 2026 World Baseball Classic

The Panama national team is preparing for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. National team manager José Mayorga confirmed that catcher Miguel Amaya from the Chicago Cubs will be part of the roster. Amaya's participation was previously uncertain due to an injury, but Mayorga stated that Amaya is in good physical condition and healthy. 'He is already in good shape, healthy, and we have good reports on him from spring training, so he will be with us at the Classic,' the coach reiterated. Pitcher Dario Agrazal, who played for the Metropolitan Eagles (Panama) in the recent Americas Series, noted that the World Baseball Classic is 'a very difficult tournament where we will face great teams and must always be ready.' The outfielder, who will be playing in his second World Classic, added that it is a tournament played at the 'highest level' and made it clear that Panama has 'the desire and eagerness' to advance to the next round. Panama is placed in Group A, alongside Cuba, Canada, Colombia, and the host, Puerto Rico. The team will debut against Cuba on March 6 at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in Puerto Rico. Friendly matches against the Panama Metro and West senior teams were also expected to be held this Thursday and Friday, respectively. The Panama national team trained on Tuesday afternoon at Rod Carew Stadium, working with the bullpen. Mayorga also referred to former MLB players like Rubén 'Rookie' Tejada, who is expected but is currently fulfilling commitments with the Philadelphia Phillies, and Jonathan Araúz, who is also expected to arrive this Thursday. 'What's important is that each player contributes their grain of sand, and things will work out. God first,' said the former Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher.