Carlos Cortes Takes Puerto Rico Pride into World Baseball Classic
MESA, Ariz. — When Carlos Cortes learned he’d been selected for Team Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic, his first emotion wasn’t about his career. It was about what it meant for his family. “I was very proud, very excited for my family,” Cortes said. “They’re really excited.”
For the Athletics outfielder, who debuted July 23 in Arlington against the Texas Rangers, the WBC represents more than a high‑profile showcase. It’s a chance to honor his roots, sharpen his game against elite competition, and head into the season battle-tested.
Representing Puerto Rico and Honoring His Family
Cortes spoke repeatedly about how much this opportunity means to him and to those closest to him. Wearing Puerto Rico’s colors is something he views as a responsibility as much as a privilege. The pride runs deep: the WBC is one of the rare settings where identity, heritage, and baseball intersect. For Cortes, that intersection is energizing.
“I’m happy to be able to represent them in a tournament like that,” he said, referring to his family and Puerto Rico.
Carlos Cortes Shares a Clubhouse with Stars
While Cortes is focused on doing his job, he’s also aware of the talent around him on Puerto Rico’s roster. One name in particular stands out: Nolan Arenado, one of the premier third basemen of his generation. “He’s a special guy. Special player. So I’m excited to see him play, play alongside him,” Cortes said.
Arenado, who suited up for Team USA in the last two World Baseball Classics, brings star power and postseason experience. For a younger player like Cortes, sharing a dugout with someone of Arenado’s caliber is both surreal and instructive. In that sense, the WBC serves as an accelerated, high‑pressure form of development. It’s a crash course in how elite players prepare, compete, and carry themselves under pressure.
Learning under a Future Hall of Famer’s Leadership
Another major draw for Cortes is the skipper: Yadier Molina. The longtime Cardinals catcher, one of the greatest defensive backstops of his era, is managing Puerto Rico this year.
When asked to confirm who the manager was, Cortes needed only one word. “Yadi,” he said with a smile. The chance to be around Molina is something Cortes isn’t taking lightly, also saying that getting to meet him will be “pretty cool.” For a player who relies on versatility and baseball IQ, learning from Molina could be invaluable.
Using the WBC as a Springboard into the Season
For all the emotion and star power surrounding the event, Cortes is also viewing the WBC through a practical lens: a way to get ready for the season while competing at the highest level.
“Play well. Continue to get quality at bats and really get ready for the season,” he said when asked about his goals for the tournament beyond simply winning it all. That means treating every plate appearance as both a chance to help Puerto Rico and an opportunity to lock in his timing ahead of the regular season. As an outfielder fighting to solidify his role, Cortes knows he must be prepared to contribute in any situation.
“Obviously I’ll try to do everything I can to win games there,” he said. “And then use that to be of use this year on this team. Whatever it is.” He later added it’ll be nice to do that “early on — before the season starts — in competitive games.”
There’s no substitute for game speed. Exhibition games and live reps under tournament pressure offer a different kind of readiness than standard spring training.
Carlos Cortes Sharpens His Game Ahead of Tournament Play
Before heading to San Juan, the team sharpened up on the mainland with two exhibitions. One came Tuesday and another Wednesday, both in Fort Myers, Florida. Cortes went 3-for-3 with two runs Tuesday as the designated hitter in a 5–3 win over the Boston Red Sox. Wednesday, he went 0-for-2 with a walk as the right fielder in a 6–3 loss to the Minnesota Twins.
A New Stage in a Growing Major League Journey
For a player still early in his big‑league journey, the World Baseball Classic is a major checkpoint. Cortes has already experienced the thrill of a major league debut and the grind of trying to stick in the majors. He was also standing on first base when Nick Kurtz hit the final home run of his legendary 6-for-6, four homer night in Houston last July. Cortes’ two-out single up the middle was what extended the inning to give Kurtz the chance for his fourth homer. Now, he’ll add representing Puerto Rico on a global stage to his résumé.
In the end, Cortes is approaching the WBC the same way he approaches his role in the majors. Stay ready, remain versatile, and do whatever he can to help his team win. It doesn’t matter if that team is wearing green and gold or red, white, and blue with ‘Puerto Rico’ across the chest. And if along the way he gets to make his family proud, learn from legends like Yadier Molina, and share the field with stars like Nolan Arenado, all the better.
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