Diamondbacks' Alek Thomas joins Team Mexico for World Baseball Classic

Arizona outfielder will represent Mexico for second time in international tournament

Jan. 31, 2026 at 11:07am

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Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Alek Thomas was named to Mexico's roster for the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Thomas, whose mother has roots in the Mexican state of Sonora, will be playing for Mexico's national team for the second time in the tournament.

Why it matters

The World Baseball Classic is a prestigious international baseball competition that features the best players from around the world representing their home countries. Thomas' selection to the Mexican team highlights his strong ties to his Mexican heritage and the growing diversity of Major League Baseball.

The details

Thomas, 25, was previously on Mexico's WBC team in 2023, playing in six games. He has said he prefers to represent Mexico over the United States, the country of his birth, because it allows him to express this part of his identity. Several other Diamondbacks players will also be participating in the 2026 WBC, including Corbin Carroll for the U.S., Nolan Arenado for Puerto Rico, and Ketel Marte and Geraldo Perdomo for the Dominican Republic.

  • Thomas was named to Mexico's WBC team on January 30, 2026.
  • The 2026 World Baseball Classic is scheduled for March.

The players

Alek Thomas

A 25-year-old outfielder for the Arizona Diamondbacks who was selected to play for Mexico's national team in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Taijuan Walker

A former Diamondbacks pitcher who was also named to Mexico's 2026 WBC team.

Corbin Carroll

A Diamondbacks outfielder who will represent the United States in the 2026 WBC.

Nolan Arenado

A Diamondbacks third baseman who will play for Puerto Rico in the 2026 WBC.

Ketel Marte

A Diamondbacks infielder who will represent the Dominican Republic in the 2026 WBC.

Geraldo Perdomo

A Diamondbacks infielder who will also play for the Dominican Republic in the 2026 WBC.

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What they’re saying

“I think I'm going to stick with the Mexican team for sure. It seems pretty fun over here and it's different. You play in the United States your whole life and you never really get a chance to express this part of yourself.”

— Alek Thomas

What’s next

The 2026 World Baseball Classic is scheduled for March, so Thomas and the other Diamondbacks players selected for their national teams will depart spring training to participate in the tournament before rejoining the team.

The takeaway

Alek Thomas' selection to Mexico's World Baseball Classic team highlights the growing diversity and international representation in Major League Baseball, as players embrace their cultural heritage and the opportunity to compete for their home countries on the global stage.