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Logan Allen Joins Team Panama for 2026 World Baseball Classic

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. team-panama-for-2026-world-baseball-classic.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, February 9th 2026 at 20:32 GMT by 7News Miami
      Locales: UNITED STATES, PANAMA

MIAMI, FL - February 10, 2026 - Former Florida International University (FIU) baseball star Logan Allen has been named to the roster for Team Panama in the upcoming 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC), marking a proud moment for the university and a testament to the growing international presence within Major League Baseball. The tournament, set to run from March 8th to 20th, 2026, will be significantly larger than previous iterations, boasting a field of 32 nations vying for baseball supremacy.

Allen, a left-handed pitcher currently with the San Francisco Giants, will likely be a cornerstone of Panama's pitching rotation. His selection highlights the rising talent coming out of collegiate programs like FIU and the increasing importance of international players in shaping the future of the sport. Drafted by the San Diego Padres in 2017, Allen has already established himself as a reliable MLB arm, also having spent time with the Cleveland Guardians. His journey from the FIU diamond to the international stage embodies the dreams of countless aspiring baseball players.

The 2026 WBC is undergoing a considerable expansion from its previous format. While earlier editions featured a more select group of established baseball powers, this year's tournament aims to broaden the sport's global reach. The inclusion of 32 teams signifies a concerted effort by MLB and the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) to foster baseball development in new territories and provide a platform for players from all corners of the globe to showcase their skills. Pool play will be held across multiple locations, including the United States, Mexico, Taiwan and Japan, before culminating in a final knockout stage.

Panama, while not traditionally considered a baseball powerhouse, has consistently fielded competitive teams in the WBC, often relying on a strong showing from its MLB players. Allen's addition significantly boosts their chances of making a deep run in the tournament. Experts suggest his experience and control as a starting pitcher will be crucial in navigating the challenging pool play schedule. He is expected to mentor some of the younger Panamanian players, offering invaluable insights gained from his time in the highly competitive MLB environment.

FIU's baseball program has seen a surge in international talent in recent years, and Allen's success serves as a powerful recruiting tool. Head Coach Marty Pawloski commented, "We are incredibly proud of Logan and his accomplishment. He's a fantastic player and an even better person. His selection to Team Panama is a testament to his hard work and dedication, and it reflects well on our entire program. We've been actively recruiting internationally, and seeing one of our alums represent a nation on this stage is incredibly inspiring for our current players."

The expanded format of the 2026 WBC also promises a more diverse range of playing styles and strategies. Teams from Europe, Africa, and Asia are expected to bring unique approaches to the game, challenging the traditional dominance of North and Latin American nations. This competition is seen as vital in fostering the global growth of baseball and attracting new fans worldwide.

Analysts are particularly intrigued by the potential impact of teams like Italy, Netherlands, and Colombia, which have been steadily building strong baseball programs. The WBC is no longer just about the established baseball giants; it's a platform for emerging nations to compete and potentially upset the status quo.

For Logan Allen, the WBC presents a unique opportunity to connect with his heritage and represent his adopted country on the world stage. It's a chance to inspire a new generation of Panamanian baseball players and further solidify his legacy as a successful MLB pitcher. Fans in Miami will undoubtedly be cheering him on as he takes the mound for Team Panama, proudly carrying the FIU banner with him.