Just four days before the start of the 2026 Major League Baseball season, the number of Venezuelan players still in Spring Training has been trimmed to 82 following a series of cuts over the weekend.
Thirteen Venezuelan players were released from their teams on Friday alone, bringing the total number of cuts to 67 since the start of spring training. Notable names among those released include Abrahan Gutiérrez (Yankees), Bryant Betancourt (Rockies), Eduardo García (Brewers), José González (Angels), and Andry Lara (Nationals).
Pedro Ávila has received his release, while the status of Juan Yépez remains in the minor leagues without an invitation to Spring Training, according to El Emergente.
The season officially begins on March 25th in San Francisco, with a matchup between the Yankees and the Giants. A total of 149 Venezuelan players had participated in training in Arizona and Florida, surpassing the 142 recorded on the first day. However, surpassing last year’s record of 152 players now appears unlikely.
Regular Season in the Major Leagues
Currently, the Venezuelan players remaining in Spring Training are distributed among teams in both the American and National Leagues:
American League (39)
- Red Sox: 6
- Blue Jays: 4
- Orioles: 2
- Rays: 2
- Yankees: 2
- Guardians: 3
- White Sox: 4
- Twins: 2
- Royals: 5
- Tigers: 2
- Angels: 1
- Astros: 2
- Mariners: 3
- Rangers: 1
- Athletics: 0
National League (43)
- Braves: 4
- Phillies: 3
- Marlins: 3
- Mets: 2
- Nationals: 2
- Cubs: 2
- Cardinals: 3
- Brewers: 4
- Pirates: 1
- Reds: 1
- Diamondbacks: 5
- Dodgers: 4
- Giants: 3
- Padres: 4
- Rockies: 2
The Phillies began Spring Training with the most Venezuelan players in the National League, with nine, but the Diamondbacks now hold that distinction with five. Meanwhile, the Red Sox lead the American League with six Venezuelan players still competing for roster spots.
Further cuts are expected over the weekend, and if recent trends continue, around 60 Venezuelan players could initiate the regular season in the Major Leagues, solidifying the strong presence of Venezuelan talent in the “Big Show”.
