Valente Bellozo selected for Mexico's preliminary 2026 World Baseball Classic roster

[Kevin Barral]

MIAMI, FL—Right-hander Valente Bellozo is hoping to join Otto Lopez and some of his other Marlins teammates at the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Prior to Wednesday's game against the Minnesota Twins, Bellozo informed the media that he is on Mexico's preliminary roster for the tournament.

"I want to be there. I want to represent my country," said Bellozo in Spanish. "That will be another goal for me and it would be an honor to represent my country, which always holds a special place in my heart every time I take the mound."

The decision regarding whether or not he made the team will be made closer to the start of the tournament, he added.

Mexico made it to the semifinals of the 2023 WBC, losing by one run to the eventual champion, Japan.

Their pitching staff could use reinforcements. Former ace Julio Urías has had his baseball career interrupted by a domestic violence incident, while fellow starters Patrick Sandoval and José Urquidy have missed extended time with elbow injuries.

Bellozo made his first career Opening Day roster with the Marlins this season. Originally a member of their starting rotation, he was moved to the bullpen in the middle of May. Overall, he has posted a 3.71 ERA, 3.93 FIP, 6.80 K/9 and 2.89 BB/9 in 14 appearances (five starts).

The Marlins are currently riding an eight-game win streak. Bellozo spoke to how this team has rallied after spending much of the first half in last place in the NL East.

"The team is very united throughout this time," Bellozo said. "Obviously we are winning a lot right now and we are on a great streak. I think we have prepared very well for this moment, but it continues to be baseball. There will be highs and lows and right now we find ourselves in a very great situation that we need to take advantage of as much as we can and win as many games as we can, if it is keeping up this streak or just playing this same type of baseball. I think if we continue this, we are going to be in a very good position before the All-Star break."

Mexico has been placed in Pool B, located in Arizona. They will face the United States, Italy, Great Britain and Brazil. Pool play will take place from March 6-11.

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