Get ready for an exciting chapter in baseball history! The 2026 World Baseball Classic is about to showcase an incredible journey for nine former Daytona Tortugas players. These athletes, representing six diverse nations, are set to take center stage on baseball's grandest international platform. From up-and-coming stars to seasoned Major League veterans, their stories span nearly a decade, proving that the path from Jackie Robinson Ballpark can lead to global recognition.
Let's dive into the details and uncover the remarkable tales of these former Tortugas, who are now ready to represent their countries and leave their mark on the world stage.
Puerto Rico's Rising Star: Edwin Arroyo
Edwin Arroyo, a native of Arecibo, Puerto Rico, is leading the charge for his nation. Arroyo's journey began in 2022 when he joined the Reds organization through the Luis Castillo trade. At just 19 years old, he made his mark in the Florida State League, hitting .227/.303/.381 with an impressive six doubles and three triples in 27 games for Daytona. Since then, Arroyo has continued his ascent, reaching Double-A Chattanooga and earning a spot on Cincinnati's spring training roster. After a successful comeback from shoulder surgery in 2025, where he hit .284 in the final months of the season, Arroyo enters camp as one of the organization's top defensive shortstops. He'll don the Puerto Rico jersey in Pool A, kicking off their campaign on March 6 at 7:00 p.m. ET against Colombia in San Juan.
Mexico's Veteran Reliever: Brennan Bernardino
Mexico's roster features Brennan Bernardino, a left-handed pitcher who spent time with the Tortugas in 2016. Bernardino pitched 60.2 innings for Daytona that season, showcasing a solid 3.71 ERA. His talent and dedication have led to a remarkable Major League career, with 169 appearances and a lifetime ERA of 3.47. Recently traded to the Colorado Rockies, Bernardino is expected to be a key player in high-leverage situations when Mexico takes on Great Britain in Pool B on March 6 at 1:00 p.m. ET in Houston.
The Next Wave: Irvin Machuca
Joining Bernardino on the Mexican team is Irvin Machuca, a hard-throwing right-hander signed from Mexico before the 2025 season. Machuca made a strong impression in Daytona last summer, appearing in six games and not allowing a single run across 12.1 innings. He struck out 17 batters and held opponents to an incredible .027 average. His speedy promotion to High-A Dayton is a testament to his talent, and now he's ready to showcase his power arsenal on the international stage.
Colombia's Dynamic Duo: Reiver Sanmartin and David Lorduy
Colombia will be represented by two former Tortugas, left-hander Reiver Sanmartin and right-hander David Lorduy. Sanmartin made 13 starts for Daytona in 2019, posting an impressive 3.78 ERA over 64.1 innings. He made his Major League debut in 2021 and has since appeared in 62 MLB games, including a strong finish in Triple-A in 2025, which led to a move to the San Francisco Giants organization. Colombia's tournament journey begins against Puerto Rico on March 6 at 7:00 p.m. ET.
David Lorduy, one of the youngest players in the tournament, is a rising star. The 22-year-old right-hander posted an outstanding 0.60 ERA in five outings for Daytona in 2024. He continued his development with the Tortugas in 2025, making 19 appearances (15 starts) and recording a 3.88 ERA with 60 strikeouts over 65 innings. His selection to Colombia's roster is a testament to his rapid progression through the Reds pipeline.
Chinese Taipei's Versatile Outfielder: Stuart Fairchild
Stuart Fairchild, who spent parts of the 2018 and 2019 seasons in Daytona, will represent Chinese Taipei. Over 130 games across those two campaigns, Fairchild hit .254 with 10 home runs and established himself as one of the most versatile outfielders in the Florida State League. Since then, the former second-round pick has appeared in parts of five Major League seasons with multiple teams, including Arizona, Seattle, San Francisco, Cincinnati, and Atlanta. He launched 18 career home runs and stole 13 bases during his career-best campaign in 2024. Chinese Taipei begins their Pool C action in Tokyo on March 5 at 10:00 p.m. ET (March 6 local time).
Great Britain's Utility Player: Ivan Johnson
Ivan Johnson, a switch-hitting utility player, traces his professional roots back to Daytona. In 2021, he hit .265/.368/.439 with four home runs in 27 games for the Tortugas. Since then, he has reached Triple-A Louisville and established himself as one of the most productive bats in the Reds' upper levels. Great Britain will face Mexico in their tournament opener on March 6 at 1:00 p.m. ET, and Johnson's versatility will be a key asset for the team.
Israel's Veteran Pitcher: Robert Stock
Robert Stock, a veteran pitcher with triple-digit velocity, will represent Israel. Stock posted a 2.52 ERA in 16 appearances for Daytona in 2017 during his transition from catcher to full-time pitcher. He has since pitched in the Major Leagues with multiple teams, including San Diego, Boston, Chicago, and New York. Stock's experience and talent will be invaluable as Israel opens Pool D play on March 7 at 7:00 p.m. ET in Miami.
The Kingdom of the Netherlands: Chadwick Tromp
Chadwick Tromp, who spent the 2016 and 2017 seasons in Daytona, will once again represent the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Tromp combined for 106 games behind the plate during his time with the Tortugas and has since appeared in 67 Major League games with San Francisco, Atlanta, and Baltimore. The Aruban catcher will be a key part of the Netherlands' team when Pool D begins against Venezuela on March 7 at 1:00 p.m. ET.
The 2026 World Baseball Classic will feature pool play in San Juan, Houston, and Tokyo, followed by the quarterfinals, semifinals, and the championship game in Miami. The final is scheduled for March 17 at 8:00 p.m. ET at loanDepot park.
For these nine former Tortugas, their journey to the World Baseball Classic started in Daytona Beach. Now, as the world watches, they return to the field, not only representing their countries but also the franchise that served as a stepping stone to baseball's biggest stages.
And this is the part most people miss... The impact of the Daytona Tortugas extends far beyond the baseball diamond. These players' stories inspire and motivate, showing that hard work and dedication can lead to incredible opportunities. So, as we cheer for our favorite nations in the World Baseball Classic, let's also celebrate the journey and the impact of these former Tortugas, who are now ready to conquer the world stage.
What do you think? Who are you rooting for in this year's World Baseball Classic? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments!
