Mexico and Brazil are set to clash in Pool B action at the World Baseball Classic on Sunday. The Mexicans opened their campaign with an 8-2 win over Great Britain on Friday in Houston. Jonathan Aranda’s three-run shot in the eighth proved to be the decider in the lopsided affair.
Meanwhile, Brazil lost its first two matchups. After a 15-5 pummeling at the hands of Team USA, the Brazilians were outclassed by the Italians 8-0. One more loss would eliminate them and they could be relegated to the qualifiers for the next tournament.
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World Baseball Classic: Mexico vs. Brazil Taipei Odds
Odds have not been released.
Preview: Probable starting pitchers and lineups
Mexico probable starting pitcher: Taijuan Walker
Phillies pitcher Taijuan Walker has been assigned as Mexico’s starter for the World Baseball Classic matchup versus Brazil. He was primarily utilized as a starter for a huge part of his MLB career. However, the veteran was deployed as a reliever late in the 2025 season. He posted a 5-8 record with a 4.08 ERA, 86 strikeouts and one save across 123 2.3 innings.
Mexico projected lineup
- Jarren Duran (RF)
- Randy Arozarena (LF)
- Jonathan Aranda (1B)
- Alejandro Kirk (DH)
- Nacho Alvarez Jr. (3B)
- Nick Gonzales (2B)
- Alek Thomas (CF)
- Joey Ortiz (SS)
- Alexis Wilson (C)
Brazil probable starting pitcher: Eric Pardinho
Eric Pardinho, a member of the 2023 Pan American Games silver medal team, got the starting nod for Sunday’s game.
He was regarded as the fifth-best international prospect in MLB in 2017. Pardinho signed with the Blue Jays in July 2017 before making his debut for their rookie-level affiliate a year later. He spent his time with the organization until 2025, going as high as Triple-A Buffalo before being released in August.
Brazil projected lineup
- Lucas Ramirez (RF)
- Osvaldo Carvalho (1B)
- Leonardo Reginatto (3B)
- Dante Bichette Jr. (DH)
- Vitor Ito (SS)
- Lucas Rojo (2B)
- Victor Mascai (LF)
- Gabriel Carmo (C)
- Gabriel Maciel (CF)
Given the disparity between the lineups, Mexico should comfortably secure its second victory of the tournament. Brazil could lessen its burden by keeping the game close to avoid relegation.
Prediction: Mexico 6, Brazil 2
Betting Tips
Jarren Duran, Alejandro Kirk and Randy Arozarena are expected to sling the long ball versus Mexico. Jonathan Aranda and Dante Bichette Jr. have probable but average chances at best, while Vitor Ito and Victor Mascai have zero to low chances of hitting the ball out of the yard.
Edited by Daniel Santiago
