00:00All right, listen up everyone, we've got a serious Hall of Fame conversation brewing for Carlos Beltran, he's just a few votes away from potentially getting that call to Cooperstown next summer, right now he's not only a special assistant with the Mets, but also the general manager for Team Puerto Rico in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, his mission, build a roster that can top their incredible 2023 run, which included that massive upset over the Dominican Republic, and a trip to the quarterfinals.
00:30And, because of that role, he's got his eye on one particular player, Detroit Tigers outfielder, Riley Green. Beltran was at the winter meetings last week, and didn't hold back his praise.
00:46He called Green a run producer, saying he's very talented, that he loves the way he plays hard and with a lot of passion, and Green's coming off a career year, 36 homers, 111 RBIs, and back-to-back all-star selections.
01:02So, the interest is high. Here's the thing, Green is eligible to play for Puerto Rico, through his mother. He'd have familiar company with Javi Baez and coach Joey Cora there, slotting into a lineup with stars like Francisco Lindor and Carlos Correa.
01:17Beltran, Beltran, has already texted him, and, Green is on their preliminary roster. The invitation is, officially open, but, and it's a big but, Green has history with Team USA.
01:29Back in 2018, he won a gold medal with an absolutely stacked U18 team, that featured guys like Bobby Witt Jr., Corbin Carroll and CJ Abrams, winning a World Baseball Classic for the United States, would be the ultimate next-level achievement for him.
01:45He turned down Puerto Rico's invite, in 2023, to focus on spring training with the Tigers, and while there was a social media rumor, he'd agreed to play for them now, sources quickly shut that down. Nothing is decided.
01:59The path to making Team USA's outfield, however, is incredibly tough. GM Michael Hill and manager Mark DeRosa have talked about Green, but they've already announced Aaron Judge, Pete Crow Armstrong, and Corbin Carroll.
02:11They need roster balance, and, Green, is another left-handed bat, so, his spot is far from guaranteed. That leaves Green, with three choices. Team Puerto Rico, Team USA, or neither.
02:24He could simply stay in Lakeland, focus on spring training with the Tigers, and get ready for the 2026 season. At just 23 years old, this likely won't be his only chance, to play in the Classic, and he's not the only Tiger in the mix.
02:38Let's break it down. Tarek Skubal. Team USA wants him, but it's tricky. He's entering his contract year. The rules are flexible for pitchers, but travel to Houston for Pool B, is a factor.
02:52Javier Baez. He's in for Puerto Rico again. His experience playing centerfield last year gives manager Yadier Molina a lot of flexibility.
02:59Glaber Torres. Expected to play for Venezuela again, where he'd be coached by Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez.
03:06Jumai Jones. Interested in playing for Team Korea, thanks to his mother's heritage.
03:11Trey Cruz. The prospect has expressed interest in Team Canada. He was born in Toronto.
03:16How You Lee. The Tigers number 6 prospect is wanted by Chinese Taipei, with the manager praising his talents and saying,
03:22they'd be so happy to have him. So, the big question for you is, with all these options and complications,
03:29what's the right move for Riley Green's career right now? Represent his heritage with Puerto Rico,
03:35aim for the stars, with a stacked Team USA, or play it safe and prepare for the season with the Tigers?
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