World Baseball Classic: who are the 6 Quebecers with the Canadian team?

BETTING À DAY

Quebec is well represented at the World Baseball Classic with six members on Canada's roster. Who are they? 

Philippe Aumont

Former major league baseball pitcher, Phillippe Aumont is temporarily coming out of retirement to wear the colors of the Canadian team. At 34, he still has a great fastball over 90 miles per hour. Aumont appeared in 46 MLB games, all with the Philadelphia Phillies, between 2012 and 2015. He was the earliest Quebecer drafted in major league history, having been selected in the first round (11th overall) by the Seattle Mariners in 2007.

Édouard Julien

Minnesota Twins prospect Édouard Julien plays at second base defensively. The young man from Quebec, who is 23 years old, is one to watch. He notably managed two home runs in the same game with the Twins, on February 28, in the Grapefruit League. He relies on both his batting power and his discipline, he who excels in the art of drawing bases on walks. 

Batting practice with Édouard Julien: we love the sound! (@baseballcanada, @baseballquebec) pic.twitter.com/WihqbRzjaZ

— Benoît Rioux – Journal de Montréal (@benrioux) March 11, 2023

Abraham Toro

Now with the Milwaukee Brewers, Abraham Toro made his major league debut in 2019 with the Houston Astros. He then wore the colors of the Seattle Mariners. Versatile defensively, Toro will mostly be used at third base with Team Canada during this World Baseball Classic. He is 26 years old and grew up on the south shore of Montreal.

Otto Lopez

Having lived in Montreal during his youth, Otto Lopez is of Dominican origin. He evolves in the organization of the Blue Jays. In 2022, Lopez concluded the season with the Toronto club, hitting six in nine official at-bats. At 24, he is knocking more than ever on the doors of the major leagues. For this tournament, Lopez will be the trusted man at shortstop.

Russell Martin

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Former major league baseball catcher, Quebecer Russell Martin joins the Canadian team as an assistant coach and advisor. The one who just celebrated his 40th birthday had a successful career of 14 seasons in the big leagues. He played a total of 1,693 regular season games with the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates and Toronto Blue Jays.

Denis Boucher

Ex-pitcher for the Montreal Expos, Denis Boucher also defended the colors of the Toronto Blue Jays and the Cleveland Indians. As a coach, he has taken care of the pitchers of the national team for many years. Recently elected to the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame, Boucher is making his fifth appearance in as many editions of the World Classic, after 2006, 2009, 2013 and 2017.