Men's softball rising generation ready for the world stage: Players to watch in Sincelejo
The WBSC U-23 Men's Softball World Cup will feature not only the best players in this age bracket, but also some of the top talent in the global softball scene. Dominant pitchers, outstanding defenders, and electric offensive players, here’s a look at some of the athletes to follow at this event.
Luciano Biondi (ARG) - @luchi.biondi
An All-World Team member at the U-18 Men's Softball World Cup 2020 and a bronze medallist at the U-23 Men's Softball World Cup 2023, Biondi is one of the most exciting players in Argentine softball. He is now an established member of the senior national team, having competed in the Men’s Softball World Cup 2024/25 and The World Games last year. He hit .500 combined in the Group Stage and Finals, and posted a .300 average in Chengdu 2025. Last year he received the "Olimpia de Plata" award, as Argentina's best softball player of the year. He is expected to be the spark in Argentina's offence this week in Sincelejo.
Jack Besgrove (AUS) - @jbesgrove_
Arguably one of the best pitchers in the world, Besgrove aims to secure his third world title in Sincelejo after leading Australia to championships at the Men's Softball World Cup 2022 and the U-23 World Cup in 2023. Despite a challenging Finals in the Men's Softball World Cup (where he posted a 5.16 ERA), he owns a career 2.45 ERA in the sport’s top competition. In Sincelejo, he will defend his U-23 world title, where he previously pitched 48 innings with 82 strikeouts and a 1.17 ERA. Australia’s hopes of repeating as champions will once again rest on his shoulders.
Nick White (CAN)
A native of Truro, Nova Scotia, White is one of the best outfielders in the game. The 22-year-old played both stages of the World Cup in Prince Albert in 2024 and 2025, posting a combined .267 batting average. He also competed at The World Games last summer, earning a bronze medal. With excellent speed and defensive ability, the left-handed hitter will be a key contributor in Canada’s lineup.
Hitto Nagayoshi (JPN)
The second baseman will compete in his third World Cup, having already won two medals in previous appearances. In 2020, he led Japan to a U-18 World Cup title in Palmerston North, hitting .412 with 10 RBIs, one home run, and eight runs scored. On Opening Day against New Zealand, he went 3-for-3 with two triples, six RBIs, and two runs scored. In 2023, he helped Japan earn silver at the U-23 Men's Softball World Cup, hitting .235 as the everyday second baseman. Nagayoshi brings elite contact skills, strong defence, and speed as he pursues another medal.
Carlos Parra (MEX) - @carlos_alejandrop
In 2023, Mexico claimed a historic silver medal at the U-18 Men's Softball World Cup, tying their best-ever result and marking their fourth overall medal in the competition. This generation has been led by Carlos Parra, a right-handed pitcher who has emerged as one of the best in the world. Armed with a devastating change-up, Parra went 3-0 in that tournament with a 2.30 ERA, striking out 31 batters in 21.1 innings. In February this year, he dominated the Men's Softball Pan American Championship, recording 99 strikeouts in 46.1 innings with a 6-0 record and a 1.06 ERA, leading Mexico to a historic continental title. Parra now sets his sights on another medal-winning campaign.
Liam Potts (NZL) - @liam.potts_
A versatile pitcher known for his movement and control, Potts was named WBSC Player of the Year 2024 after helping New Zealand win bronze at the WBSC Men's Softball World Cup 2025 in Prince Albert, Canada. Across the Group Stage and Finals, he posted a 1.91 ERA with a 3-2 record and 39 strikeouts in 29.1 innings. He also represented New Zealand at the inaugural U-23 World Cup in 2023, going 2-2 with a 2.21 ERA and 23 strikeouts in 19 innings. He is expected to be a key figure for New Zealand in Sincelejo.