Can Nicaragua continue to surprise after last year's Qualifier success?

After going winless in the country's first World Baseball Classic in 2023, Nicaragua surprised many as it swept its way through the Taipei Qualifier last March. But these weren't blowouts: Nicaragua pulled off back-to-back 2-1 victories in the 10th inning against South Africa and Spain before defeating the hosts, Chinese Taipei, to get back to the main tournament.

The pitching was lights-out, with the team giving up just two runs and 16 hits -- both tourney bests -- in 29 innings of work. The offense, though, will be the biggest question mark. Even with the addition of Mets slugger Mark Vientos and Minor League outfielder Ismael Munguia, will the team be able to score enough runs? In the 2023 Classic, Nicaragua's .499 OPS was the third-lowest, ahead of only China and Israel.

2023 WBC Performance

Nicaragua went 0-4 in 2023, scoring only one run in each contest. However, it more than held its own on the international stage: Venezuela beat the Nicaraguans, 4-1, and the D.R. defeated them, 6-1, but both of those nations are considered international powerhouses.

Sweeping their way through the Qualifier in Taipei to return to the Classic -- with Dusty Baker signing on to manage the team -- should only continue to develop the talent within the country.

2026 WBC schedule

Nicaragua is in Miami's Pool D and will be considered the underdogs with powerhouses Dominican Republic, Venezuela and two-time semifinalists the Netherlands in the group. It'll need at least one win to confirm its spot in the next tournament, but it won't be easy. Here's the schedule:

March 6 vs. Dominican Republic, 7 p.m. ET
March 7 vs. Netherlands, 12 p.m. ET
March 8 vs. Israel, 7 p.m. ET
March 9 vs. Venezuela, 7 p.m. ET

Best WBC performance

While the team struggled to hit in 2023, that certainly wasn't an issue for Benjamin Alegria: The third baseman went 6-for-12 with two doubles across the tournament.

Pitching continued to be Nicaragua's strength, though: Young Duque Hebbert earned a Minor League contract with the Tigers after striking out Juan Soto, Julio Rodríguez, and Rafael Devers. After the pitching staff gave up just two runs in the Qualifier, who could be the next pitcher to stand out in this year's tournament.

Biggest games in country history

Nicaragua's biggest victory was arguably over 50 years ago. As hosts in the 1972 Amateur World Series (now the Premier12), Nicaragua faced the then-seemingly unbeatable Cuban national team on Dec. 3, 1972. That day, Julio Juárez shut out Cuba en route to a 2-0 victory. Though Cuba went on to win the tournament, Nicaragua finished third. (Very cool for the Spanish speakers reading this: You can listen to the radio call of the game here.)

Sadly, just a few weeks after the end of the tournament, a massive earthquake struck Managua. It was this disaster that Roberto Clemente -- who had managed Puerto Rico in the tournament -- was looking to bring aid to when he perished in a plane crash on New Year's Day.

Notable MLB Players who may join the team

Vientos is the most impactful new face who joins the team. Though he had a down year for the Mets last season, he's hit 44 home runs combined over the past two seasons and immediately gives the lineup some much-needed punch.

Erasmo Ramírez, a 14-year MLB veteran whose 43 big league victories gives him the third most in MLB history by a Nicaraguan-born pitcher, has joined the rotation. Alongside him are big league veteran JC Ramírez and Carlos Rodriguez, who has played for the Brewers in parts of the last two seasons.

Minor League prospects

Fan favorite outfielder Munguia, who has been knocking on the Majors' doors for the last few seasons, joins the national team for the first time since the Olympic Qualifiers in 2021. After reaching Triple-A with the Yankees last year, he won the LIDOM batting title this winter before signing a Minor League deal with the Blue Jays.

Brewers prospect Freddy Zamora, who is known for his smooth glove and exceptional range, will start at short.

Story to watch: Can Dusty Baker inspire Nicaragua to victory?

The legendary skipper returns to the dugout for his "last hurrah," as he hopes to help Nicaragua's baseball program this year and into the future. Recognizing that the country is an underdog, the goal will be to get that elusive first World Baseball Classic win and hopefully secure the team's place in the next tournament.

Questions ahead of upcoming tournament

Will Ronald Medrano be healthy?

The former Cardinals Minor Leaguer has been a crucial part of Nicaragua's rotation and will likely be counted on this year -- assuming he's healthy. He needed to be helped off the field at the Caribbean Series, but is in camp with the team now and looks ready to go.

Can Nicaragua find enough offense?

Nicaragua was able to win a couple 2-1 games in the Taipei Qualifier, but that likely won't be enough when going up against Venezuela and the D.R. The additions of Munguia -- who is an average overpower guy -- and Vientos will help, but it'll likely need a few more guys to step up. If Alegria can recapture his 2023 form, that would certainly help.