These Angels are psyched to rep 8 different countries in World Baseball Classic

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Lefty Yusei Kikuchi already left Angels camp to join Team Japan in Tokyo on Feb. 20, while several other Angels departed Sunday to join their teams for the World Baseball Classic, including third baseman Yoán Moncada (Cuba), catcher/outfielder Gustavo Campero (Colombia) and outfielder Matthew Lugo (Puerto Rico).

Additionally, lefties Sam Aldegheri (Italy) and Samy Natera Jr. (Mexico) are participating in the Classic but are still in camp because exhibition games for those countries start on Tuesday in Arizona. Minor League right-hander Najer Victor (Great Britain) and outfielder Lucas Ramirez (Brazil) are also playing the Classic, while Camden Minacci (Italy) and Francis Texido (Cuba) are part of the Designated Pitcher Pool (DPP).

Angels general manager Perry Minasian has always encouraged his players to represent their countries, and superstar Mike Trout also wanted to play for Team USA again after serving as captain in 2023, but said he had issues getting insurance. So while it can be challenging with key players like Kikuchi and Moncada away from the team during Spring Training, the Angels trust their players and want them to enjoy the experience.

“I think it's awesome to represent your country,” Suzuki said. “It’s really special for a lot of these guys. Perry's always been for it. It’s a special thing for them to do and Perry's very supportive of it. So, we hope they do really well.”

Suzuki never played in the Classic but did play for Team USA in 2006 when he was a Minor Leaguer in the Athletics’ system and helped them win an Olympic qualifying tournament in Cuba. He called it one of the more memorable experiences of his career and can understand why players want to play in the Classic.

It’s the first Classic for Kikuchi, who pitched eight seasons in his native Japan and is now in his eighth season in the Majors, including his second with the Angels. Kikuchi, 34, threw two simulated games against Angels hitters before he left for Japan. He’s slated to be part of the rotation for Samurai Japan, which won the tournament in 2006, ’09 and ’23, and is in Pool C in Tokyo along with Korea, Australia, Czechia and Chinese Taipei.

“I’m so excited,” Kikuchi said before he left. “This is my first time to be part of the team. So I can’t wait to pitch in front of the Japanese fans in Japan. Our goal is to be defending champions.”

It’s the second Classic for Moncada, who excelled in it in ’23, hitting .435 at the plate for Team Cuba to earn all-tournament honors. Along with his former White Sox teammate, Luis Robert, they became the first Major Leaguers to represent Cuba in the tournament. The 30-year-old acknowledged that it can be a complicated decision for Cuba natives, but that he enjoyed the experience last time and it helped him to a hot start in the regular season that year. Cuba is Pool A in San Juan along with Puerto Rico, Canada, Panama and Colombia.

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“This has always been a dream of mine and my father to represent my country, and I feel really excited,” Moncada said through an interpreter. “Every player has their own situation on why they can’t play but I respect everybody’s decision.”

Aldegheri, who finished last year ranked as the club’s No. 13 prospect by MLB Pipeline, is also making his tournament debut and is a rare player on Team Italy who was actually born and raised in the country. Aldegheri, who grew up and still spends his offseason in Verona, is one of four players on the roster born in Italy and he believes the game is growing in his native country.

Italy is in Pool B in Houston along with the United States, Mexico, Great Britain and Brazil. The Angels also host Team Italy in an exhibition game on Wednesday at Tempe Diablo Stadium, although Aldegheri is likely to pitch Tuesday for Team Italy against the Cubs. He’s expected to start the year at Triple-A Salt Lake but gives the Angels MLB-ready pitching depth, especially after he learned a new changeup grip from Kyle Hendricks last year.

“There’s a lot of pride to be able to represent your country in probably the best stage in the world,” Aldegheri said. “I remember I was getting up at night to watch those games when I was a kid, so the kids back home, they're gonna do the same. It’s exciting because we’re not just playing for ourselves, we’re playing for our country.”