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Braves’ Ronald Acuña Jr. to play for Venezuela in World Baseball Classic

The five-time All-Star is one of two MLB players announced to the Venezuelan roster.
Braves right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr., shown here during last year’s Home Run Derby, is one of two MLB players announced to the Venezuelan roster for the World Baseball Classic. (Jason Getz/AJC 2025)

Credit: Jason Getz/AJC

Credit: Jason Getz/AJC

Braves right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr., shown here during last year’s Home Run Derby, is one of two MLB players announced to the Venezuelan roster for the World Baseball Classic. (Jason Getz/AJC 2025)
By
Jan 29, 2026

Braves star right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr. will play in the World Baseball Classic, his home country of Venezuela announced Thursday.

Acuña, 28, is one of two MLB players announced to the Venezuelan roster, along with Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia.

ExploreFrom 2025: Ronald Acuña Jr. reiterates desire to spend entire career with Braves

Acuña also played in the 2023 WBC with Venezuela and had a team-high 18 at-bats, going 4-for-18 with a double and two RBIs. He also walked twice and stole three bases, as Venezuela won its first four games before losing to the United States in the quarterfinals.

This year’s WBC begins in March, and Venezuela is scheduled to play March 6 against the Netherlands at loanDepot park in Miami. The tournament runs through March 17.

ExploreBraves Fest scheduled for Friday and Saturday at Truist Park

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Chad Bishop is the Atlanta Braves beat writer for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

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