Acuña, Chourio among MLB stars added to Venezuela for WBC

Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. is among a contingent of star players who've been added to Venezuela's roster for the World Baseball Classic, MLB announced Thursday.

Acuña, Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio, Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia, and Boston Red Sox outfielder Wilyer Abreu will also represent the nation.

Manager Omar López will lead what's expected to be a formidable roster that also features big-leaguers Salvador Perez, Gleyber Torres, and Pablo López.

However, Jose Altuve won't suit up for the country due to reported insurance issues.

The 28-year-old Acuña played for Venezuela in the 2023 WBC, slashing .222/.286/.278 with three steals and two RBIs in five games. He posted a .935 OPS with 21 home runs and 42 RBIs in 95 MLB games for the Braves last season.

Chourio is one of baseball's brightest young stars. The 21-year-old finished his sophomore campaign with 21 homers, 21 steals, and a .770 OPS (112 OPS+) in 131 games.

Garcia, 25, did not appear in the 2023 WBC. He had a breakout MLB campaign with the Royals in 2025 where he slashed .286/.351/.449 with 16 homers, 74 RBIs, and 23 steals in 160 games.

Abreu, like Chourio and Garcia, will appear in his first WBC. The 26-year-old hit 22 homers and won a Gold Glove last season after ranking in the 94th percentile in range and 97th percentile in arm strength, according to Baseball Savant.

Venezuela posted a perfect 4-0 record during 2023 pool play before being eliminated in the quarterfinals by the United States.