HOUSTON -- As World Baseball Classic teams are starting to take shape ahead of next year's tournament, two Twins players confirmed their intention to play for the Puerto Rican team: Carlos Correa and Jose Miranda.

The Puerto Rican team went on an impressive run during the 2017 WBC, winning seven straight games and outscoring opponents 56-15, booking a spot in the championship game. They ultimately fell to the United States, 8-0, and faced the same fate in 2013, when they were runners-up of the tournament after losing to the Dominican Republic.

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The 2023 squad won’t have veteran players like Carlos Beltrán on the team this time, though Correa will be returning as a key contributor.

It will be the second time the shortstop represents the island after he hit .333 (8-for-24) with 10 runs scored (tied with Wladimir Balentien for the most in the tournament) and nine RBIs (the second-most, behind only Balentien's 12) in 2017. In his first season in Minnesota, Correa is hitting .264/.344/.421 with 14 homers and 41 RBIs.

Correa will have company in his return to the WBC this time, as rookie first baseman Miranda will also participate. He has impressed thus far in his first season at the Major League level, with a slash line of .276/.321/.455 with 13 homers and 54 RBIs.

To have this opportunity is a dream come true for the 24-year-old, who is looking forward to putting on that Puerto Rico uniform. 

"I’m proud to be able to represent Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic,” Miranda said in Spanish. "It was a dream of mine. I can’t wait to share the field with Correa and the rest of the team."