[citation needed] In 2017, Colombia defeated Spain and Panama to secure their first ever appearance in the World Baseball Classic.

Its pitching staff was anchored by Major Leaguers José Quintana and Julio Teheran, and included then-prospects Jorge Alfaro and Gio Urshela.

However, the group was placed in the Pool C — meaning its "very tough" competitors would be the United States, the Dominican Republic, and Canada.

[2] Colombia ultimately finished third in the division and did not move on to the second round, though it did manage to defeat Canada 4–1 at Marlins Park in Miami.

As a participant in the 2017 WBC, Colombia automatically qualified for the expanded 2023 World Baseball Classic.