SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Julio Teherán has worn the uniforms of five Major League Baseball teams and pitched in postseason series and even in the Mexican League, but the Colombian right-hander says donning his national team’s jersey for the 2026 World Baseball Classic is unlike anything else.
“I feel this is different. I’ve pitched in different scenarios. This is the most important one. Obviously, you represent the whole country, not just an organization. That makes it more special,” said the 35-year-old veteran.
Teherán is scheduled to face Canada’s potent lineup on Saturday at 11 a.m. ET as Group A play continues at Hiram Bithorn Stadium. This matchup is a key early contest in the tournament, which features the world’s best baseball talent.
Clásico Mundial de Béisbol 2026
Grupo A (San Juan) presented by Discover Puerto Rico
Grupo B (Houston) and Grupo D (Miami) presented by Capital One
“It’s a great honor to represent my country in this great event where the best players from each country are. I feel very proud to pitch in this game. I grasp several of the players, but I will prepare in the best way possible,” Teherán said, recalling his dominant performance against Canada in the 2017 edition, when he allowed just two hits and one run over five innings in a 4-1 victory.
“I know they have a lot of lefties. We’ll see. We have a plan. Obviously, we need to talk about it, but it’s nothing different. I know how to pitch. I have my pitches, and that’s basically what I focus on. I just have my plan and I go out and execute it,” he added.
Teherán, 35, last pitched in the Major Leagues in 2024, making one start for the New York Mets before playing in the Mexican League.
Throughout his career, spanning 255 games (248 starts) with the Mets, Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Angels, Detroit Tigers, and Milwaukee Brewers, Teherán has a record of 81-82 with a 3.85 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP.
He will be opposed on the mound by Canadian right-hander Michael Soroka, who posted a 4.52 ERA in 22 games with the Washington Nationals and Chicago Cubs last season.
