Diamondbacks Stars Head to World Baseball Classic

Several key players leave spring training to represent their home countries in the international tournament.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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As the Arizona Diamondbacks prepared for their spring training game against the Seattle Mariners, manager Torey Lovullo announced that several of the team's top players would be leaving camp to participate in the World Baseball Classic. Second baseman Ketel Marte, shortstop Geraldo Perdomo, and first baseman Carlos Santana are headed to Miami to represent the Dominican Republic, while third baseman Nolan Arenado will join Team Puerto Rico. Outfielders Druw Jones and Kristian Robinson are also leaving to play for the Netherlands and Great Britain, respectively.

Why it matters

The Diamondbacks will be without several of their key contributors as they prepare for the upcoming MLB season, which could impact the team's performance in spring training and early in the regular season. However, the opportunity for these players to represent their home countries in the prestigious World Baseball Classic is an honor that could also benefit the Diamondbacks in the long run by helping their players gain valuable international experience.

The details

The Diamondbacks' lineup for their spring training game against the Mariners reflected the departures and impending departures of these regulars. Major league roster contenders Jordan Lawlar, Tim Tawa, and Ildemaro Vargas played, as did top prospect Ryan Waldschmidt. Diamondbacks star outfielder Corbin Carroll has also resumed baseball activity as he slowly regains use of his right hand.

  • On Friday, February 27, Marte, Perdomo, and Santana left the team's facility to join the Dominican Republic team.
  • On Saturday, February 28, Arenado will play against the Los Angeles Angels before leaving to join Team Puerto Rico.
  • On Tuesday, March 3, the Diamondbacks will host Mexico's World Baseball Classic team in an exhibition game at Salt River Fields.

The players

Ketel Marte

The Diamondbacks' second baseman who is headed to represent the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic.

Geraldo Perdomo

The Diamondbacks' shortstop who is also joining the Dominican Republic team for the World Baseball Classic.

Carlos Santana

The Diamondbacks' first baseman who is part of the Dominican Republic's World Baseball Classic roster.

Nolan Arenado

The Diamondbacks' third baseman who will play for Team Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic.

Druw Jones

A Diamondbacks outfielder who will represent the Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic.

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What they’re saying

“I said goodbye to them today. I told those guys I want to be in touch with them. I want to hear from them — how they're doing, what they're doing — just because I'm curious.”

— Torey Lovullo, Diamondbacks Manager (azcentral.com)

“I proudly wish Team Mexico great success at the World Baseball Classic, and we stand with both the Arizona Diamondbacks organization and the vibrant Mexican community in Arizona, whose passion continues to inspire unity and pride across generations.”

— José Sulaimán, World Boxing Council President (azcentral.com)

“As we look ahead to representing our organization in Mexico City later this season, moments like this highlight the powerful connection between our teams, our cultures and the game of baseball.”

— Derrick Hall, Diamondbacks President (azcentral.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The Diamondbacks' loss of several key players to the World Baseball Classic highlights the importance of depth and development within the organization, as they will need to rely on younger and lesser-known players to fill the void during spring training and the early part of the regular season.