"It looks as if another Toronto Blue Jays player will participate in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Last week, , a Panamanian website, reported that Leo Jiménez will represent his home country of Panama in the 2026 World Baseball Classic this March. Other Blue Jays heading to the tournament are Ernie Clement (Team USA), Alejandro Kirk (Team Mexico), and several other players in the organization."
"Jiménez, 24, was born in Chitré, Panama. He signed as an international free agent for the Blue Jays in 2017 and worked his way to the big leagues, making his debut in 2024. It wasn't until 2021 when the middle infielder made a name for himself, as he slashed .315/.517/.381 with one home run in 242 plate appearances in Single-A that season. At the end of the 2021 season, the Jays added Jiménez to their 40-man roster."
"Over 63 games, Jiménez slashed .229/.329/.358 with four home runs in 210 plate appearances, giving the middle infielder a career-best 11 home runs between the two levels. His 101 wRC+ was the fifth-best on the Blue Jays for any player with 100 or more plate appearances, joining Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Spencer Horwitz, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and Justin Turner as the five Blue Jays who hit for an above-average wRC+."
Leo Jiménez will represent Panama in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. He was born in Chitré, Panama, signed with the Blue Jays as an international free agent in 2017, and made his MLB debut in 2024. Jiménez posted strong on-base numbers in Single-A in 2021 and was added to the 40-man roster after that season. He increased his power in 2022 and 2023 across High-A and Double-A, then struggled after a Triple-A promotion. In 2024 he produced a 135 wRC+ in the minors and received extended MLB playing time, finishing with a 101 wRC+ across levels. Jiménez's 2025 was marred by injuries.
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