Maikel Garcia Named World Baseball Classic MVP as Venezuela Claims Historic Title

Venezuela made history on Tuesday night, capturing its first World Baseball Classic title with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Team USA. The triumph was fueled by numerous crucial contributions, but none more significant than that of Maikel Garcia, who was deservedly named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.

Garcia Joins an Exclusive Club

Garcia joins an elite group of players to have earned the WBC MVP honor, including Daisuke Matsuzaka (Japan, 2006 & 2009), Robinson Canó (Dominican Republic, 2013), Marcus Stroman (USA, 2017), and Shohei Ohtani (Japan, 2023).

Breakout Performance for the Royals Star

Garcia experienced a breakout season with the Kansas City Royals in 2025, earning his first Gold Glove Award and All-Star selection. He carried that momentum into the 2026 World Baseball Classic, slashing .385/.393/.577 through 28 plate appearances across Venezuela’s seven games.

Key Moments Throughout the Tournament

While Garcia went 0-for-3 in the championship game, his sacrifice fly in the third inning provided Venezuela with its first lead. His impact extended far beyond the final game. He recorded 10 hits throughout the tournament, more than any other player.

Garcia’s pivotal moments included a two-run home run in Venezuela’s upset victory over defending champions Japan in the quarterfinals, and a go-ahead single against Italy in the semifinals. He also drove in seven runs during the WBC, with at least one RBI in each of the final four games.

A Look Back at Past WBC MVPs

Shohei Ohtani (Japan, 2023)

Ohtani’s performance in 2023 was legendary. He slugged four doubles, one home run, and drove in eight runs as a designated hitter, slashing .435/.606/.739. On the mound, he surrendered just two runs and five hits in 9 2/3 innings, earning a save in the final against Team USA.

Marcus Stroman (USA, 2017)

Stroman was instrumental in leading Team USA to its first WBC title in 2017. He tossed six shutout innings in the 8-0 win over Puerto Rico, allowing only one hit.

Robinson Canó (Dominican Republic, 2013)

Canó led the Dominican Republic to an undefeated 8-0 record in 2013, batting .469 with a .514 on-base percentage and .781 slugging percentage, tying for the team lead with two home runs and six RBI.

Daisuke Matsuzaka (Japan, 2006 & 2009)

Matsuzaka was a dominant force for Japan in both 2006 and 2009, posting a 3-0 record in both tournaments. In 2006, he struck out five and allowed four hits in four innings during the final against Cuba. In 2009, he went 3-0 with a 2.35 ERA.

Garcia’s MVP award caps off a remarkable tournament for Venezuela, marking a historic achievement for the nation’s baseball program. He is poised to be a centerpiece player for Venezuela in future World Baseball Classics.