Colorado Rockies: German Marquez to join Venezuelan WBC entry

As the World Baseball Classic gets closer, teams are starting to set up their rosters. The Colorado Rockies are likely to have at least one participant.

According to Thomas Harding at MLB.com, German Marquez is going to be a part of the WBC. The Rockies pitcher has said that he will be a part of Team Venezuela in the upcoming tournament in 2023.

Colorado Rockies pitcher German Marquez to join Team Venezuela

There are still a couple of formalities before Marquez officially joins the tournament. He has to officially be asked by the Venezuelan National Team, then he needs to get approval from the Rockies. It is difficult to imagine that either Bud Black or Bill Schmidt would stop him from being able to do so.

Marquez is already taking steps to be prepared for the WBC. He is planning on pitching for the Leones de Caracas during the 2022-23 offseason to be ready. This would be his first foray into the Winter Leagues as well, as he has not pitched during the offseason as a professional.

He has been a solid enough arm during his time in the majors. Marquez has posted a 4.39 ERA and a 1.290 WHiP in his 942 innings, numbers that have been skewed due to his being a member of the Rockies. In that time, he has struck out 920 batters with 280 walks, solid numbers as he has earned his place as one of Colorado’s top pitchers.

He could also be an underrated asset for Team Venezuela. Fans will likely look at his overall numbers and expect that he will be unable to withstand the better lineups in the tournament. However, his career 112 ERA+ shows that he has been a better arm than many may realize.

Colorado Rockies pitcher German Marquez is set to join Team Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic. He should be a solid addition to the squad.