Who To Watch In The WBC: Andres Gimenez Defends For Venezuela, Andrew Fischer Energizes Italy

This is the extremely fun side of the semifinal bracket at the World Baseball Classic.

Italy vs. Venezuela. The espresso gang vs. another joyful Latin American team.

While having played in all six WBC tournaments, the Italians had advanced out of pool play only twice before without a victory, including a 9-3 loss to Japan in the 2023 quarterfinals. That changed with the 8-6 triumph over Puerto Rico. Entering this tournament, Italy had won seven times in five WBCs and entered today's semifinal with five victories.

Venezuela, on the other hand, had 16 victories in WBC play entering 2026, one of the better-performing teams in event history, but without an appearance in the championship game. Venezuela lost to South Korea 10-3 in the 2009 semifinals and the U.S. 9-7 in the 2023 quarterfinals.

The winner of this game faces the U.S., a 2-1 winner Sunday over the Dominican Republic, for the championship Tuesday at 8 p.m. in Miami.

Here are some players to keep an eye on today:

Andres Gimenez, Venezuela

The 27-year-old infielder was thrust into a more prominent role with the Toronto Blue Jays late in the regular season and throughout the run to the World Series. Due to Bo Bichette's injury, a three-time AL Gold Glove second baseman (2022-24) and the 2023 Platinum Glove winner as the AL's top overall defender, Gimenez slid over to shortstop and seamlessly anchored the Jays' defense. His hitting has always been secondary, and that has proven true in the WBC. Splitting time with Ezequiel Tovar at shortstop, Gimenez is just 1-for-7 (.143) in four games with a walk. He came up with some big hits for the Jays in the postseason, including homers in back-to-back AL Championship Series games, so this is the type of atmosphere in which he thrives.

Willson Contreras, Venezuela

The new Boston Red Sox first baseman hasn't had a significant impact on Venezuela's offense yet. The 33-year-old has played in three of Venezuela's five games and mustered just three hits in 12 at-bats (.250) with a walk and driven in three runs. This is a stark contrast to what he had done with the Red Sox in Grapefruit League action, where Contreras is 6-for-13 (.462) with two homers and six RBIs in six games. He also walked three times. The good news is Venezuela hasn't needed anything big from Contreras to this point, but this would be an opportune time for him to contribute.

Andrew Fischer, Italy

A year ago, the 21-year-old Milwaukee Brewers prospect was playing college baseball at Tennessee under Tony Vitello. Now, both are in pro ball, with Fischer having been the Crew's first-round draft choice last summer. The third baseman has been a key part of Italy's espresso-fueled offense, going 4-for-11 (.364) with two doubles, a homer, and five RBIs. This follows a 19-game debut in the minors at High-A Wisconsin, registering a .311/.402/.446 slash line with one homer, 10 RBIs, and eight stolen bases. He is back at third base after playing first at Tennessee and is likely ticketed to start 2026 at Double-A Biloxi.

Ron Marinaccio, Italy

The 30-year-old right-handed reliever, battling for a spot in the San Diego Padres' rotation, has made two appearances for Italy. While recording four outs, Marinaccio gave up just one hit, the ninth-inning homer to Pete Crow-Armstrong in Italy's 8-6 stunning triumph over the U.S. Marinaccio did get out of a big game in the eighth inning. With runners on the corners and two outs, he was brought in to face Bryce Harper, who flew out to left on a 3-2 changeup. Marinaccio is likely to be called upon for big outs against Venezuela, with his performance contributing to the Padres' decision on whether he makes the Opening Day roster.