Henry Roldán
Taking advantage of the World Baseball Classic’s freedoms, Marcus Stroman will play for a side other than the United States in the next edition.
According to what the pitcher revealed on his Twitter account, for the 2023 edition he will wear the colors of Puerto Rico, his mother’s birthplace.
Stroman, 31, a Major League Baseball player for the Chicago Cubs, has previously stated his desire to represent the Latin American country and his mother’s ancestry.
However, what is most striking is that in the last edition, in which the United States was crowned champion, Stroman was named MVP of the tournament for his performance with the country of the stars and stripes.
The right-hander posted a 2.35 ERA after three starts for his country of birth, including a six-inning shutout and only one hit in the final of the event, precisely against Puerto Rico.
Why can Marcus Stroman play for Puerto Rico?
Despite having already played with the United States, unlike in other sports in the World Baseball Classic, the rules do not prevent players from wearing the uniform of another country despite having played with another country in a previous edition.
What is important in this case is that the player complies with the eligibility rules, which are detailed below:
- The player is a citizen of the country he represents. (Additionally, if a player has applied for citizenship or a passport and has not yet been granted it, the player may be eligible through an application by the player or the team).
- If the player is a permanent and legal resident of the nation or territory he represents.
- If the player was born in the country or territory he represents.
- If the player has a father/mother who is, and in case he/she is deceased who was, a citizen of the country he/she represents.
- If one of the player’s parents was born in the nation or territory he represents.
Therefore, Stroman is eligible, without any problem, to see action with Puerto Rico due to his mother’s birthplace.
