Puerto Rico vs Colombia Preview & Prediction | 2026 World Baseball Classic | Pool Stage
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Puerto Rico boast home advantage in pool play with Colombia first up for Yadier Molina’s men.
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Puerto Rico vs Colombia prediction
Expect the Bithorn Stadium in San Juan to be deafening in their support of Puerto Rico, who contain an exciting and excellent group of players despite their build-up to this tournament being affected by injuries and insurance issues despite the rumours of recent Grammy Award winner Bad Bunny being willing to fund said insurance for players. New York Mets’ switch hitting shortstop Francisco Lindor is unavailable to suit up for the Pool A hosts due to injury, which has also sidelined back-to-back World Series champion and super utility player Kike Hernandez. Infielder Carlos Correa, pitcher Jose Berrios and catcher Victor Caratini are also out.
However, this Puerto Rican side remains stacked with proven quality including multiple All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado who suited up for Team USA in 2023, alongside starting pitcher Seth Lugo and possibly the best closer in the world right now, new Los Angeles Dodgers’ signing Edwin Diaz. Willi Castro provides versatility and Heliot Ramos a dangerous bat.
Colombia will likely lean into the knowledge of left-handed starting pitcher Jose Quintana, even if the MLB veteran doesn’t pitch tonight and is saved for later on in pool play. Quintana can help guide the less experienced Colombian pitchers and calm down the clubhouse when required. This team finished bottom of their pool in 2023 and it’s hard to see them being able to overcome a Puerto Rico team no doubt full of belief and fuelled by the adrenaline of their home fans, so expect a fairly routine home win.
Puerto Rico vs Colombia tip: Puerto Rico to win with -2.5 run handicap
