PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks will continue to have a footprint in the World Baseball Classic, as four players advance to the tournament’s knockout stage.
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Mar 3, 2026; Lee County, FL, USA; Puerto Rico third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) drives in a run in the first inning with a base hit against the Boston Red Sox. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
Nolan Arenado, Ketel Marte, Geraldo Perdomo, and Eduardo RodrÃguez, along with their respective teams, have reached the quarterfinals and will continue to give the Diamondbacks a notable presence in the WBC.
Arenado and Puerto Rico clinched their spot after a 4-1 victory over Cuba to finish pool play undefeated, with the Arizona third baseman anchoring the infield and providing veteran leadership. The eight-time All-Star, who represented the United States in the last two tournaments, made the switch to Puerto Rico this year to honor his mother’s roots on the island.
Mar 6, 2026; Miami, FL, United States; Dominican Republic third baseman Manny Machado, right, congratulates second baseman Ketel Marte (4) on scoring a run in the first inning against Nicaragua at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
The Diamondbacks’ storyline also runs through the Dominican Republic’s middle infield, as the combination of Marte and Perdomo has been central to the club’s strong start. Their latest victory was a dominant 10-1 win over Israel, keeping them unbeaten in pool play. With a mix of power at the plate and steady defense, the duo’s presence has been integral in helping the Dominican Republic quickly build chemistry.
Meanwhile, RodrÃguez has yet to make a mound appearance for Team Venezuela but has been part of a deep pitching staff that could call on him as the knockout rounds begin. Venezuela went 3-0 in pool play, securing its place in the next round with a 4-0 win over Nicaragua — leaning on strong pitching and a powerful lineup.
Mar 14, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Venezuela starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez (57) delivers a pitch during the first inning against Nicaragua at LoanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
The four D-Backs players reflect the club’s global reach, particularly on baseball’s biggest international stage. As fans await the start of the regular season, they can still watch some of their own continue to play high-level baseball while representing their countries.
As the World Baseball Classic enters its win-or-go-home phase, the Diamondbacks’ influence remains scattered among the contenders as these players look to carry momentum back to the clubhouse when the MLB season begins.
Nolanzen la pelota pa tercera. pic.twitter.com/SBvuLdraiZ
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) March 10, 2026
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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