Carlos Correa, Houston Astros

The prototype. He’s the youngest and possess the highest ceiling. Correa was the first overall selection of the 2012 MLB Draft and was immediately dubbed the next big thing to come from the island. He’s done little to dispel that notion in his short time in the MLB.

He made an immediate impact with the Houston Astros in 2015. In addition to winning Rookie of the Year he played an integral part in the Astros’ return to the postseason. In just two seasons he already has 42 home runs, 164 RBIs and 27 stolen bases.

Correa is the A-Rod of this group. He posses all the skills to play shortstop, but has been moved to third base for this tournament. Correa has not been fazed by the move.

In the opening game against Venezuela Correa flashed some leather at third and even added this moonshot to help guide Puerto Rico to a dominate 11–0 mercy-shortened win.

Much like A-Rod, Correa is also the odd ball of the group. He was one of the few on the team not to bleach his hair. His native town of Ponce sits on the west side of the island while the other two reside in the east. He is also the only one of the group to be drafted from Puerto Rico while the other two moved to Florida prior to being drafted.

Javier Baez, Chicago Cubs

Chicago Cubs fans may know Javier Baez simply as “Javy” and casual baseball fans will recognize him for his stellar play during the Cubs’ successful quest to end their title drought last fall.

Those familiar with Baez are also familiar with how much of a wild card he can be depending on the day. Some games he’s money on the field and a nightmare at the plate. Then there are games where he’s moving too fast that he’s out of control.

He’s the oldest of the group and hails from Bayamón, the same city as the Molina brothers and plays with a similar swagger. Regardless of what kind of day he’s having he always goes HAM.

His numbers through three seasons don’t scream star–24 home runs, 83 RBIs, .247 BA and 18 stolen bases–but Baez is an unconventional star. He brings Swiss army knife versatility , being able to play any position in the infield. For the Cubs he has played shortstop, third and second base. In the WBC his only job is to man second base.

While Correa and Lindor have been near the top of the lineup Baez has hit at the bottom to add stretch the order. His fellow members by me more talented, but Baez is just as important to a championship finish.

Francisco Lindor, Cleveland Indians

Correa was not the only Puerto Rican shortstop to debut in 2015. Francisco Lindor burst onto the scene, finishing second in Rookie of the Year to his fellow countryman. He’s the Derek Jeter to Correa’s A-Rod, hitting for a better average and fielding a bit better.

Lindor was a catalyst to the Indians’ surprising World Series run. In two seasons he has hit 27 home runs, driven in 129 runs while hitting .306. He also became the first Puerto Rican shortstop to win theGold Glove Award.

When it came time for Puerto Rico’s manager Edwin Rodriguez to choose which shortstop got to stay at their position it was a no brainer. Lindor’s the best fielder and thus far appears to be the best leader.

He also has strong chemistry with Baez who he played with and against in Florida when he was in high school. Through the first two games in the WBC he has played the best.

Against Mexico he cranked two homers like he was using the Aluminum Power Bat. His first of the night might have landed in San Antonio. His second was crucial since it extended the lead in a tight game. If Puerto Rico wins it all Lindor will be a major reason for that.