Panamanians Face New Challenges in MLB’s Upcoming Season

Mo. Basuony

Published: March 25, 2026 8:19 PM ET

Panamanians Face New Challenges in MLB’s Upcoming Season

The new Major League season begins with several Panamanian players aiming to improve their production. They also hope to stay healthy after injury setbacks. Filmogaz.com looks at the key names and early-season storylines.

Panamanian roster for Opening Day

Five players from Panama are on Opening Day rosters. They are José “Chema” Caballero, Edmundo Sosa, Miguel Amaya, Iván Herrera and Justin Lawrence.

José “Chema” Caballero — speed and expectations

Caballero has led the American League in stolen bases the last two seasons. He swiped 44 bases in 2024 and 49 in 2025.

His goal is to reach at least 50 steals in 2026. Caballero hit .214 with a .706 OPS last year.

He has taken over the Yankees’ shortstop job. He is expected to start against the Giants at Oracle Park on Wednesday at 8:05 p.m. Panama time.

Context and history

Omar Moreno remains the Panamanian career leader in stolen bases. Moreno totaled 487 steals in his major league career.

Edmundo Sosa — utility player seeking consistency

Sosa returns to the Philadelphia Phillies aiming for a more regular role. He must convince manager Rob Thomson to play him more often.

In 2025, Sosa played 89 games and batted .276 with a .776 OPS. He hit 11 home runs, drove in 39 runs and recorded 12 doubles.

The Phillies open at home against the Texas Rangers on Thursday at 4:15 p.m. Panama time.

Iván Herrera — recovering from multiple injuries

Injuries were Herrera’s main obstacle during the 2025 season. A knee problem cost him months, and he later had right elbow surgery.

He missed the chance to play for Panama in the World Baseball Classic because of the elbow operation. Still, he appeared in 107 games last year.

Herrera finished 2025 with 19 homers, 13 doubles and 66 RBIs. He hit .284 with an .837 OPS over 388 at-bats.

The Cardinals begin against Tampa Bay at Busch Stadium on Thursday at 4:15 p.m. Panama time.

Miguel Amaya — back after limited action

Amaya returns to the Chicago Cubs after a season shortened by injuries. He suffered a left oblique strain and a left ankle sprain in 2025.

Those injuries limited him to 28 games and 96 at-bats. He hit five homers, drove in 18 runs, and hit .281 with a .814 OPS.

The Cubs open at Wrigley Field against the Washington Nationals on Thursday at 2:20 p.m. Panama time.

Justin Lawrence — bullpen health concerns

Lawrence missed time last season due to inflammation in his right elbow. He appeared in only 17 games in 2025.

The reliever logged 17.2 innings and posted a .153 opponent batting average with a 0.96 WHIP. Pittsburgh opens at Citi Field on Thursday at 1:15 p.m. Panama time.