From Mlb · · 2m
Olympic Path Begins in Barcelona
Premier12 Qualifiers set stage for 2028 LA Olympics with three spots open.
In brief
Premier12 Qualifiers set stage for 2028 LA Olympics with three spots open. Dominican Republic, Venezuela and the United States have already qualified for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics through the Premier12 Qualifiers in Barcelona. Originally reported by Mlb.
Premier12 Qualifiers Start
Team captains line up before the start of the Premier12 Qualifiers in Barcelona. From left: Alberto Mineo, Eric Brenk, Omar Hernandez and Jesus Marriaga.
Olympic Path Begins
The road to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics begins with the Premier12 Qualifiers in Barcelona on Friday.
Qualified Teams
The Dominican Republic, Venezuela and the United States have already confirmed their places in the six-team field for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Remaining Spots
Three places left to be decided, with two coming from the Premier12 next year.
Premier12 Background
The Premier12 is just as important as the World Baseball Classic, with a history stretching back to the Amateur World Series in 1938.
Tournament Structure
The top 12 teams have gained automatic qualification for next year’s main tournament, while eight more teams split across two Qualifiers will earn the chance to play in next year’s 16-team tournament.
Qualified Teams List
Japan, Chinese Taipei, United States, South Korea, Venezuela, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Panama, the Netherlands, Cuba, Australia and the Dominican Republic have already qualified.
Event Dates
The Premier12 Qualifiers take place from October 9-11 in Barcelona. The first pitch is at 6 a.m. for fans in the United States.
How to Watch
For fans outside of Italy and Spain, games will be streamed on the WBSC YouTube channel or available through Gametime packages.
MLB Players Eligibility
Players included on 40-man rosters are ineligible for the tournament. Affiliated Minor Leaguers not on the 40-man can play.
Colombia Preview
Colombia is ranked No. 13 in the world with a strong roster including former big leaguers Gio Urshela, Dilson Herrera and Sugar Ray Marimon.
Italy Preview
Italy has a solid roster with catcher Alberto Mineo, first baseman Renzo Martini and pitchers Matteo Bocchi, Claudio Scotti and Ettore Giulianelli.
Germany Preview
Germany brings a veteran pitching staff with ace Markus Solbach, who reached Triple-A with the Dodgers, and catcher Vincent Ahrens.
Spain Preview
Spain has a deep roster including former Mets infielder Luis Guillorme and national team veterans Wander Encarnacion and Jesus Ustariz.
Predictions
Colombia is expected to finish first, Italy second, Spain third, and Germany fourth in the Premier12 Qualifiers.
The one thing
Dominican Republic, Venezuela and the United States have already qualified for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics through the Premier12 Qualifiers in Barcelona.
