The Puerto Rico Baseball Federation announced that the island’s Under-18 National Team will compete in the Pan American Championship for the age group, held October 22 through 29 at the IPL Academy sports complex in Boca Chica, Dominican Republic. Twelve national teams will take part, and the top four will qualify for the 2027 Under-18 World Cup of the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) in China.
Manager Eddie González said the players look very good and that the staff is working to help the athletes who arrived from the United States acclimate quickly, since conditions resemble what the team will face in the Dominican Republic. "We go with all the energy in the world to chase a medal at the Premundial and qualification for next year’s World Cup," González said, adding that the group is versatile and that some young players could even return for the 2027 World Cup.
Puerto Rico finished in fifth place worldwide in its last two Under-18 World Cup appearances. The roster includes pitchers Carlos Coira and Saúl Maldonado, infielders Adniel Quiles and Jean Rosa, and outfielder Valentín Carrasquillo, who were part of the U-15 team that won the historic world silver medal in 2024. Pitcher Joniel Miranda and infielder Adniel Quiles return to the U-18 team after playing in the 2025 World Cup of the category.