How Randy Arozarena was born in Cuba, can play for Mexico in WBC
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How Randy Arozarena was born in Cuba, can play for Mexico in WBC originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Randy Arozarena wasn't born in Mexico, but that's the nation he will represent in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
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The Seattle Mariners' energetic outfielder will bring a serious spark to a talented Mexican lineup that also includes Jarren Duran, Alejandro Kirk and Rowdy Tellez.
The WBC is a difficult tournament without pitching depth, and that could be the X-factor that really determines how Mexico performs. But they've got the bats.
Arozarena seems to embrace the biggest stages, and so it won't be a surprise at all if he shines bright during this tournament.
This is how it works out that he can represent Mexico.
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Where is Randy Arozarena from?
Arozarena is originally from Cuba.
He made it to the top-tier of the Cuban baseball league when he was just 19.
He chose to defect at that point, though, and took a raft to reach Mexico.
"You honestly just have to risk your life for your family," Arozarena told MLB.com in 2020. "When you’re in the ocean, the only thing you’re thinking about and hoping for is that you get there safely. There’s been people that are out in the ocean for days, months, and there are others that don’t make it because they die."
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How is Randy Arozarena playing for Mexico in the WBC?
Arozarena reached Mexico in 2015 and played there until signing with the Cardinals.
He became an MLB star.
He didn't forget the refuge he found in Mexico as a teenager, and before the 2023 WBC, he applied for citizenship.
Arozarena was approved as a Mexican citizen in April 2022, and this will be his second tournament representing the country.
The personable star has gone all-in, too, including wearing sombreros in postgame interviews. He's a special talent, and he has embraced his adopted home.
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