Seattle Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford has sparked excitement among baseball fans as reports reveal his potential role with Team Mexico in the upcoming 2026 World Baseball Classic. Although Crawford does not have Mexican heritage himself, his wife’s Mexican background makes him eligible to represent Mexico in the international tournament.
This revelation came as a surprise, given that Crawford’s connection to Mexico is through familial ties rather than direct descent. His wife’s heritage could allow him to obtain Mexican citizenship, opening the door to play for the national team under World Baseball Classic eligibility rules.
Team Mexico’s Interest and Managerial Outreach
Benji Gil, manager of Team Mexico, has already initiated contact with Crawford, demonstrating the team’s strong interest in adding the Mariners star to their roster. The World Baseball Classic’s flexible eligibility criteria allow players with different connections to a country to represent that nation, which makes Crawford’s potential inclusion possible.
Should Crawford join, he would be joining a roster featuring several players with ties to the Mariners organization. Current teammates Andrés Muñoz and Randy Arozarena, who participated in the 2023 tournament, are expected to return. Former Mariners players Luis Urías and Rowdy Tellez may also appear on the squad, suggesting a solid core for Team Mexico.
Expert Perspectives and Dream Team Recognition
Shawn Spradling, a World Baseball Classic analyst, shared his surprise on the Refuse to Lose podcast upon learning about Crawford’s eligibility.
“It was kind of a shock when we found out that he’s eligible, but J.P. Crawford has actually been recruited to play for Mexico,”
Spradling said.
In addition to this, Spradling recently named Crawford as the starting shortstop in his mid-July Dream Team roster for Mexico, underscoring the belief that Crawford’s skills would significantly bolster the team’s lineup and competitiveness in 2026.
Potential Impact and What Lies Ahead
With the tournament still more than two years away, Crawford’s decision to commit to Team Mexico remains uncertain. However, his possible inclusion represents an intriguing development for baseball enthusiasts who have followed his career. Adding Crawford to Team Mexico’s roster could enhance their chances in the World Baseball Classic by strengthening key positions.
As Team Mexico prepares for the 2026 tournament, the combination of Crawford’s talent and the existing roster could create a formidable presence on the international stage, raising expectations and excitement among fans across the globe.