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El Paso's Darell Hernaiz, NMSU players to compete in 2026 WBC
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- El Paso's Darell Hernaiz, NMSU players to compete in 2026 WBC
El Paso's Darell Hernaiz has been selected to play for Team Puerto Rico in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
There will be 20 teams competing in the event, which begins Thursday, March 5. In addition to Puerto Rico, the United States, Mexico, and Canada will field teams.
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Hernaiz can play multiple infield positions and is currently in the Athletics organization. The Athletics were formerly in Oakland and are just using the Athletics name for now until they move to Las Vegas when a new stadium is ready.
Las Vegas Aviator Darell Hernaiz plays at Southwest University Park in El Paso, Texas on April 9, 2025.
Hernaiz graduated from Americas High School in 2019. He was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the fifth round of the 2019 Major League Baseball Draft and then was traded to the Oakland organization in 2022.
In 99 career games with Oakland, Hernaiz has 63 hits, 25 runs scored, three home runs and 28 RBI.
In 490 career minor league games, Hernaiz has hit 38 home runs and driven in 262 runs.
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New Mexico State well represented in 2026 WBC
Three former New Mexico State players will play for Team Mexico.
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Samy Natera, Jr., is a left-handed pitcher and plays in the Los Angeles Angels organization. Natera, Jr., is from Ciudad Juárez and was drafted in 2022 by the Angels in the 17th round.
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Infielder Nick Gonzales plays in the infield for the Pittsburgh Pirates . He is a former first pick by the Pirates in 2020.
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Infielder Joey Ortiz plays infield for the Milwaukee Brewers . He was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the fourth round in 2019.
More: NMSU baseball 3 NMSU greats reflect on playing together, making MLB ahead of school Hall of Fame honor
Felix F. Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on X
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso's Darell Hernaiz to play in 2026 WBC with Puerto Rico
