Nicaragua has announced its roster for the WBSC Premier12 qualifier in Zhongshan, China, next month. The three-day, round-robin qualifier will take place Nov. 26-28, with Nicaragua, China, Great Britain and Czechia slated to participate.

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Players to Watch

Melvin Hernández - The 20-year-old right-hander from Rivas played in Milwaukee’s organization from 2023 to 2025 before returning home for personal reasons and being released by the organization.

In 2025, Hernández spent the entire season in Class A with the Carolina Mudcats. He posted a 2.00 ERA in 121 2/3 innings with 97 strikeouts after beginning the season at 18 years old.

He pitched for Rivas in Nicaragua’s Campeonato Germán Pomares domestic league this year, posting a 1.32 ERA in 58 1/3 innings with 31 strikeouts. He is expected to be Nicaragua’s ace.

Ángel Obando - After signing with Toronto on May 26, Obando spent the minor league season in Single-A and Double-A. He posted a 5.50 ERA with 63 strikeouts in 52 1/3 innings.

After an up-and-down season, Obando finished strong in September, posting a 2.35 ERA in three appearances. He pitched 7 2/3 innings and recorded 10 strikeouts.

The Premier12 qualifier will give him an opportunity to represent his country for the first time since the World Baseball Classic in March. He is expected to be Nicaragua’s top reliever.

Brandon Leytón - The 27-year-old shortstop spent 2016-2023 in the minor leagues, reaching Triple-A in 2022 and 2023 in Cincinnati’s organization.

He has since played in Nicaragua’s Germán Pomares league and winter league. This season, Leytón posted a .932 OPS with 10 home runs and 61 RBIs for Leones de León.

Leytón has represented Nicaragua several times during his career. His most notable performance came at the 2025 World Baseball Classic qualifier in Taipei. In three games, he recorded a 1.346 OPS and hit a home run to help lead Nicaragua back to the World Baseball Classic.

He is expected to be Nicaragua’s starting shortstop in China.

Nicaragua will open the tournament against Great Britain. On the second night, it will face Czechia before wrapping up the tournament against China.

All four teams will be looking to qualify for their first Premier12 tournament in 2027, with the top two teams advancing.