cody ponce

Cody Ponce: The Mexican-American Pitcher Canada is Watching for the World Baseball Classic

The name Cody Ponce is generating significant buzz in the baseball world, particularly among fans and analysts in Canada. Once a highly-touted prospect with the Milwaukee Brewers, Ponce has reinvented his career across the Pacific, becoming a dominant force in the KBO. Now, as the 2026 World Baseball Classic approaches, the right-hander finds himself at the center of a fascinating international recruitment story that could reshape the pitching rotation for Team Mexico while simultaneously catching the eye of Major League Baseball scouts.

A Career Reinvention in Korea

To understand the current excitement surrounding Cody Ponce, one must look back at his journey through the minor leagues. Drafted 55th overall by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2015 out of Cal Poly, Ponce was initially viewed as a future MLB staple. However, after struggling to find consistency at the Triple-A level and posting a 5.14 ERA over parts of three seasons, the right-hander made a life-changing decision.

In late 2019, Ponce signed with the Doosan Bears in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO). It was a move that many players make as a last resort, but for Ponce, it became a career resurrection. He quickly established himself as one of the league's premier starters, leading the KBO in ERA (2.89) and innings pitched (180.2) during the 2020 season.

This transformation did not go unnoticed. According to a report by TSN in 2022, the Toronto Blue Jays were finalizing a three-year deal with the right-handed pitcher. This move signaled a major vote of confidence from an MLB front office, suggesting that Ponce’s success in Asia had translated into tangible value back in North America.

The World Baseball Classic Connection

The narrative took an intriguing turn in late 2023 and early 2024 when reports surfaced regarding Ponce’s eligibility and interest in international play. As a Mexican-American athlete, Ponce qualifies to play for Team Mexico, a squad actively looking to bolster its pitching staff for the upcoming 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC).

According to a report by Sports Illustrated, titled "¿Quién es Cody Ponce? El pitcher que México busca para el Clásico Mundial de Beisbol 2026," the Mexican Baseball Federation is actively courting the right-hander. The article highlights that Ponce represents exactly the type of arm needed to compete with the powerhouses of Team USA and the Dominican Republic.

Furthermore, Séptima Entrada published a piece titled "El mexicoamericano que llama la atención en MLB y podría jugar en WBC," emphasizing the dual appeal of Ponce. He is not only a potential star for Mexico's national team but also a player who has regained the attention of MLB organizations.

Why This Matters for Canadian Baseball Fans

While Ponce’s story is international, it hits close to home for Canadian baseball enthusiasts. The Toronto Blue Jays' reported interest in 2022 ties Ponce directly to the Canadian MLB landscape. If Ponce were to sign with the Blue Jays, or even if he remains a free agent while pitching for Mexico in the WBC, his performance will be under a microscope from Toronto to Vancouver.

The 2026 WBC is expected to feature several players with ties to Canadian organizations. Seeing a pitcher with Ponce's unique profile—someone who struggled in the low minors but dominated the KBO—could offer valuable insights into scouting international talent.

The Strategic Value of a Pitcher Like Ponce

Ponce’s appeal lies in his distinct pitching profile. Standing at 6'6", he utilizes a heavy fastball that sits in the low-to-mid 90s, complemented by a devastating splitter. Unlike the high-velocity flamethrowers that dominate modern MLB bullpens, Ponce relies on deception, movement, and pitch sequencing.

The KBO Factor

Pitchers transitioning from the KBO to MLB have a mixed track record. Some, like Eric Thames and Merrill Kelly, found tremendous success. Others struggled to adapt. Ponce’s ability to dominate the KBO suggests he has mastered the art of pitching against elite contact hitters. This is a skill set that translates well to the international stage, where teams like Japan and Taiwan prioritize bat-to-ball skills over raw power.

The Recruitment Battle

It is important to note that while Ponce has been approached by the Mexican Federation, he has not yet officially committed to the team. The decision involves several factors: 1. MLB Contract Status: If Ponce signs a major league deal with a team like the Blue Jays or another contender, his availability for the WBC may be restricted by his new contract's health and participation clauses. 2. Family Heritage: Ponce has expressed pride in his Mexican heritage, which makes Team Mexico a natural fit. 3. Competition: Other nations may also express interest if he remains a free agent.

Immediate Effects and Current Status

As of the latest reports, Cody Ponce is navigating the delicate balance between professional obligations and national pride. The "buzz" surrounding him—estimated at 5,000 search queries and social media mentions—indicates a growing curiosity about his next move.

For the Toronto Blue Jays and other MLB teams, Ponce represents a low-risk, high-reward proposition. He is a pitcher who has proven he can handle a heavy workload in the KBO (averaging nearly 7 innings per start in his peak season). If healthy, he could slot into a back-of-the-rotation spot in MLB.

The Canadian Connection

For Canadian baseball, the interest in Ponce highlights a broader trend: the globalization of the talent pool. The Blue Jays have often looked to the international market to fill roster spots. Ponce fits the mold of a player who may have been overlooked by other MLB teams during his early career but has since developed into a polished professional.

Future Outlook: The Road to 2026

Looking ahead to the 2026 World Baseball Classic, Cody Ponce’s decision will be a domino that affects roster construction for multiple teams.

Scenario 1: Ponce Signs with an MLB Team (e.g., Toronto Blue Jays) If Ponce secures a guaranteed MLB contract, he will likely focus on securing a rotation spot during Spring Training. While this might limit his participation in the WBC, it would validate his journey from the KBO back to the majors.

Scenario 2: Ponce Commits to Team Mexico If he chooses to represent Mexico, he becomes a focal point of their pitching staff. His experience pitching in high-pressure environments in Korea will be invaluable. This would also boost his profile significantly, potentially leading to better contract offers after the tournament.

Scenario 3: The "Wait and See" Approach Ponce could remain a free agent, potentially signing a minor league deal with an invite to Spring Training, allowing him to pitch in the WBC to showcase his skills to MLB scouts on a global stage.

Risks and Challenges

The primary risk for any team looking at Ponce is the "KBO-to-MLB transition tax." The level of competition in the KBO is generally considered to be between Triple-A and MLB, but the style of play is different. Ponce will need to prove that his splitter works against MLB-caliber power hitters who don't chase pitches out of the zone as frequently as KBO hitters.

Conclusion: A Player to Watch

Cody Ponce is more than just a journeyman pitcher; he is a testament to the global nature of modern baseball. His story resonates with Canadian fans who appreciate the grind of the minor leagues and the international flavor of the game.

Whether he is throwing a splitter to a KBO hitter or standing on the mound at the Rogers Centre, Ponce has earned his moment in the spotlight. As the 2026 World Baseball Classic draws nearer, all eyes will be on this Mexican-American righty to see where he lands and which jersey he decides to wear.

For now, the buzz is real, and the potential is undeniable. Cody Ponce is officially back on the map.