Jul 19, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette (11) in the dugout before the game against the Detroit Tigers at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

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World Baseball Classic: Bo Bichette Will Join Brazil’s National Team if They Qualify

Brazil will face Colombia, Germany, and China in the WBC Qualifier

Brazil announced its roster for the World Baseball Classic (WBC) qualifiers on Thursday, February 13.

However, Bo Bichette was not included in the final squad. According to The Playoffs in Brazil, the Toronto Blue Jays’ shortstop has opted out of participating in this phase of the competition.

Nonetheless, if Brazil qualifies, Bichette will join the team for the main tournament.

The qualifiers will take place in Tucson, Arizona (USA).

Brazil will kick off its campaign against Colombia on March 2 at the Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium. In addition to Colombia, the Brazilian squad will compete in a group that also includes Germany and China.

Two teams will secure a spot in the WBC: the first-place team will qualify directly, while the second-place team will enter a play-in game between the second and third-best teams of the tournament.

A 28-Player Roster for Brazil

Head coach Yuichi Matsumoto has called up 28 players for the qualifiers. The roster includes pitchers Eric Pardinho, who plays for the Buffalo Bisons, the Triple-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, and Pedro Costa, who represents the Modesto Nuts, a Single-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners.

Notably, Dante Bichette Jr., Bo Bichette’s brother, has come out of retirement to represent Brazil in this crucial tournament.

Brazil’s roster for the 2025 #WorldBaseballClassic qualifiers: pic.twitter.com/PHrEvUsiM2
— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) February 14, 2025

Bo Bichette’s Career

Born to former MLB player Dante Bichette and Brazilian mother Mariana Bichette, Bo Bichette has been playing in Major League Baseball (MLB) since 2019, representing the Toronto Blue Jays. Alongside Vladimir Guerrero Jr., he has become a key figure for the Canadian franchise.

The shortstop has been a two-time All-Star (2021 and 2023) and has consistently been in the running for the American League MVP, finishing in the Top 16 three times.

Brazil’s WBC History

Brazil is aiming for its second-ever participation in the World Baseball Classic. The country’s only appearance came in 2013, when the team successfully defeated Panama twice in the qualifiers to reach the tournament’s main stage, where they faced Japan and Cuba.

In 2017, Brazil failed to qualify, and in 2023, despite winning its first two games, the team was eliminated after a decisive loss to Nicaragua.

However, Brazilian baseball has been making steady progress.

The reigning South American champions, Brazil also had its best-ever performance at the Pan American Games, winning the silver medal at Santiago 2023 after losing the final to Colombia.

Credit Photo : John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports