WBC All-Tournament Team: Venezuela’s Maikel Garcia Named MVP

MIAMI – Venezuela’s improbable run to a first-ever World Baseball Classic title culminated in a thrilling 3-2 victory over the heavily favored United States on Tuesday night, and the tournament’s Most Valuable Player award went to a player whose resurgence fueled that championship journey: third baseman Maikel Garcia.

The 26-year-aged Garcia, who plays for the Kansas City Royals, was recognized for his outstanding performance throughout the tournament, highlighted by key contributions in both the semifinal and final games. He drove in the first run of the championship game with a sacrifice fly off USA starter Nolan McLean, and played a crucial role in Venezuela’s three-run rally in the seventh inning of their semifinal win against Italy.

“I always tell my brothers that are in Venezuela that everything can change in one year,” Garcia said, holding the MVP award. “2024 for me was tough. I was struggling all year. I was the worst hitter. Then in 2025 [writers] voted for me for MVP of the American League. That was huge, and that motivated me to perform harder.”

Garcia’s journey to the WBC MVP award is a testament to perseverance and renewed confidence. After a difficult 2024 season where he hit just .231 with a .614 OPS, he experienced a breakout year in 2025, hitting 16 home runs, improving his OPS by nearly 200 points, and earning a Gold Glove. That success carried over into the World Baseball Classic, where he batted .385 with a home run and seven RBIs.

The Venezuelan victory was made even more special by the presence of Garcia’s cousin, Ronald Acuña Jr., who served as a constant source of support. While Acuña batted ahead of Garcia in the lineup, the familial connection added another layer of significance to their shared triumph.

“They played great baseball,” Garcia said of Team USA, showing respect for their opponent even in victory.

The complete World Baseball Classic All-Tournament Team was unveiled on Wednesday, recognizing the top performers from across the competition. Joining Garcia on the team were several other standouts who made significant contributions to their respective nations.

On the pitching side, Webb earned a spot after winning both of his starts, allowing just one run on five hits over 8 ⅔ innings pitched. Nola was effective for Italy, pitching nine innings of one-run ball with eight strikeouts. Skenes, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ ace, went 2-0 with a 1.00 ERA and nine strikeouts in 8 ½ innings.

Offensively, Wells powered the Dominican Republic to a semifinal appearance, hitting .267 with a 1.086 OPS, two home runs, and five RBIs. Arraez showcased his hitting prowess, batting .308 with a 1.059 OPS, two home runs, and 10 RBIs. Turang was a key contributor for the USA, hitting .364 with a .936 OPS and a crucial RBI single in the quarterfinal win over Canada.

Tovar was recognized as one of the tournament’s top contact hitters, posting a .471 batting average with a 1.147 OPS. Anthony emerged as a star for Team USA, hitting .280 with a .920 OPS, two home runs, and seven RBIs, including a game-winning solo home run against the Dominican Republic in the semifinals.

Tatis also shone for the Dominican Republic, hitting .400 with two home runs and a 1.238 OPS, tying for the most RBIs in the tournament with 11. Nori was a consistent presence in Italy’s lineup, hitting .400 with a 1.185 OPS, two home runs, and six RBIs.

Rounding out the All-Tournament Team was Shohei Ohtani, despite Japan’s quarterfinal exit. Ohtani tied for the tournament lead with three home runs and hit .462 with a remarkable 1.842 OPS, solidifying his status as one of the game’s most dynamic players.

Garcia joins an exclusive group of players to be named WBC MVP, including Japan’s Daisuke Matsuzaka (2006, 2009), the Dominican Republic’s Robinson Canó (2013), the USA’s Marcus Stroman (2017), and Japan’s Shohei Ohtani (2023). His performance not only secured a championship for Venezuela but also cemented his place among baseball’s elite.