Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters infielder, Brandon Laird, 29, confirmed that he will be playing for Mexico in this 4th edition of the World Baseball Classic, according to the report. Laird, who is American of Mexican descent, finished his 2016 regular season campaign in NPB (Nippon Professional Baseball) on a high note with the Fighters’, batting a solid .263/.319/.516 with a team leading 39 homeruns and 97 RBI in 143 games played (598 PA, along with 547 AB) in the year, primarily as the team’s 3rd baseman.

Brandon Laird (who is also Gerald Laird’s younger brother) was the runner-up for the Pacific league MVP award this year, garnering 298 points overall, while his teammate, dual type star player, pitcher/DH Shohei Otani, 22, won the award by a total of 1268 points.

Former Los Angeles Dodgers infielder, Luis Cruz, 32, who played with the Yomiuri Giants this previous season, expressed interest in playing, and will most likely be included in the event as well.