Background on the Urías Brothers and Their Relevance
Luis and Ramón Urías, hailing from Sonora and currently playing in Major Leagues (Luis with the Athletics and Ramón with the Astros), have confirmed their presence on Mexico’s roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC).
Who are the Urías Brothers?
Luis, 28, and Ramón, 31, have been active players in Major League Baseball (MLB). Luis represented the Oakland Athletics in 2025, while Ramón played for the Houston Astros. Both brothers have been key contributors to their respective teams.
Urías Brothers’ WBC Participation
The Urías brothers will join other MLB players on the Mexican national team for the WBC, which will be held in March 2026. Mexico is placed in Group B alongside the United States, Italy, Great Britain, and Brazil. All games will take place at the Daikin Park in Houston, home to the Astros.
Historical Context and Impact
Baseball has gained significant attention in Mexico as the country prepares for international sports events, particularly with the upcoming 2026 WBC. The anticipation is high due to the long list of potential call-ups from MLB, including the Urías brothers.
Luis Urías’ WBC Experience
Luis has already participated in two previous WBC tournaments for Mexico: 2017 and 2023. His performance in 2023 was particularly noteworthy, as Mexico secured third place, surpassing Cuba’s strong team.
Ramón Urías’ Debut in 2026 WBC
Ramón will make his WBC debut in 2026, with Japan being the favorite to defend its title from 2023. The United States, the defending runners-up, also has a solid lineup.
Building a Strong Roster
To compete against powerful teams, Mexico will rely on experienced MLB players. The goal is to match or even surpass the team’s record-breaking performance in 2023.
Key Figures and Responsibilities
The responsibility of convincing these players falls on Manager Benjamín Gil and General Manager Rodrigo López, who head the National Selections Commission.
Confirmed Players
So far, five MLB players have officially been called up to the WBC 2026 roster for Mexico. In addition to the Urías brothers, Jarren Durán (Boston Red Sox), Alejandro Kirk (Toronto Blue Jays), and Randy Arozarena (Seattle Mariners) have secured their spots.
Urías Brothers’ Historical Significance
The National Selections Commission announced that the Urías brothers will be the third pair of brothers to represent Mexico in WBC history, following Jerry and Scott Hairston (2009) and Adrián and Edgar González (also 2013).
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the Urías brothers? Luis and Ramón Urías, originating from Magdalena de Kino, Sonora, are currently MLB players with Luis playing for the Oakland Athletics and Ramón for the Houston Astros.
- What is the World Baseball Classic (WBC)? The WBC is an international baseball tournament featuring national teams from around the world. It was first held in 2006 and has taken place every four years since.
- Which other countries are participating in the 2026 WBC? Along with Mexico, countries like Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, and South Korea have high baseball traditions and are expected to participate. Countries like Australia, Brazil, Panama, and Canada are also part of the tournament, aiming to build their baseball legacies.
- What are Mexico’s group stage matchups in the 2026 WBC? Mexico will face Great Britain, Brazil, the United States, and Italy in the group stage.
