HOUSTON.- The World Baseball Classic is usually a stage for the big stars of the Major Leagues, but also for unexpected stories. Najer Victor’s is one of them.
The Great Britain reliever starred in one of the most striking moments of the tournament after dominating three of the most feared hitters in baseball in the same inning: Aaron Judge, Bryce Harper and Gunnar Henderson. And to all by way of punch.
“I felt good, I was in the moment, trying to win the game. I do it for my teammates (…) I know what it means to be against the odds. Hearing the crowd chant “USA,” was one of those moments where I thought: I’m made for this,” he told Las Americas Newspaper in the last meeting of the English.
Victor, 24, is part of the Los Angeles Angels organization after being selected in the 14th round of the 2024 draft. Although his name is still not known among many fans, his appearance in the Classic began to put him on the radar.
His presentation did not go unnoticed outside the stadium. According to sources consulted, several teams in the Caribbean winter leagues have shown interest in the pitcher after his performance in the tournament.
And Najer pitched without fear against hitters who intimidate great pitchers all year round. The right-hander showed good speed and a slider that made an impression, according to the sources consulted.
The fastball of the Philadelphia native, with British blood, exceeded 97 miles per hour. Meanwhile, his slider, on FranGraphs, has a rating of 55 out of 60. This gave him 2.1 innings to work, with one walk and one run, with six strikeouts and a WHIP of 0.857.
For the player himself, the tournament was also an opportunity to share with players from different backgrounds.
“It’s very good. I’ve been able to meet several of the guys I’ve been playing with, I’ve learned from them, from their experience. There are a couple of guys on our team who have experience. Mainly, this has allowed me to be myself, not change,” he added, who may now have the opportunity to participate in a Caribbean league to continue adding experiences in his short career as a professional.
Its recent history also helps to dimension the moment.
Just two years ago Victor was at the University of Central Florida, where he played college baseball with the Knights while finishing his studies, still far from imagining facing established figures from the Major Leagues in an international tournament.
Now, his name is beginning to make space.
Born in the United States but representing Great Britain in the tournament, Victor was asked about the possibility of wearing the Team USA uniform in a World Classic in the future.
For now, he prefers not to think too much about it.
“I had never thought about it, I’m not thinking that far into the future. Whatever God wants, but the truth is I’m not thinking about that.”
