Former Braves Pitcher Julio Teheran Keeps Pitching for Colombia in WBC

The 35-year-old right-hander is not retired from MLB and hopes to find a contract after the tournament.

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

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Julio Teheran, a former All-Star pitcher for the Atlanta Braves, is representing his home country of Colombia in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Despite not having pitched in the majors since 2024, the 35-year-old right-hander is still pursuing a professional baseball career and sees the WBC as an opportunity to showcase his skills and potentially earn a new contract.

Why it matters

Teheran was once a top pitcher in MLB, making the All-Star team in 2014 and 2016 with the Braves. His decision to play for Colombia in the WBC at age 35 shows his continued passion for the game and desire to return to the major leagues, even after struggling in recent seasons. The tournament provides Teheran a high-profile stage to prove he still has something left in the tank.

The details

Teheran last pitched in the majors in 2024 with the New York Mets, making just one appearance and allowing four runs in 2.2 innings. He also had unsuccessful stints at the Triple-A level with the Mets' and Cubs' affiliates that year, posting ERAs over 8.00. In 2025, Teheran pitched in the Mexican League, putting up a 6.95 ERA in 14 appearances. Despite his recent struggles, the Colombian native believes he can still contribute at the highest level and is hoping a strong showing in the WBC will lead to a new MLB contract.

  • Teheran last pitched in the majors in 2024.
  • In 2025, Teheran pitched in the Mexican League.
  • Teheran will represent Colombia in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

The players

Julio Teheran

A 35-year-old right-handed pitcher who spent nine seasons with the Atlanta Braves, making the All-Star team in 2014 and 2016, before pitching for several other MLB teams and most recently the Mexican League in 2025.

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What’s next

If Teheran pitches well for Colombia in the World Baseball Classic, he could potentially earn a contract with an MLB team for the 2027 season.

The takeaway

Julio Teheran's decision to continue his professional baseball career by representing Colombia in the World Baseball Classic at age 35 demonstrates his enduring passion for the game and desire to prove he can still contribute at the highest level, even after struggling in recent seasons. A strong performance in the tournament could open the door for Teheran to earn one more shot in the majors.