Javier Assad is a starting pitcher for the Chicago White Sox. He signed with the White Sox as an international free agent in July 2015 and made his MLB debut in August 2022.

Assad was born to Javier Sr. and Maria Isabel Ramirez in Tijuana, Mexico, on July 30, 1997. He currently represents Mexico in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The righty pitcher also played in the 2023 edition.

The White Sox pitcher has been married to his wife, Melissa (nee Duran), since Feb. 11, 2022. Assad popped the big question to his now-wife during a yacht trip in San Carlos, Sonora, on Nov. 11, 2021.

According to her Instagram bio, Melissa is a lawyer. Like Assad, his wife is also from Mexico. She was born in October 1996.

Melissa has an older sister, Julia, through whom she is an aunt to two nieces, born in April 2019 and March 2020. She also has a brother, Hector, who is married to his wife, Criss.

Meanwhile, Assad has two sisters, Dann and Jacqueline. Dann is a lawyer like her sister-in-law.

Assad’s relationship with Melissa predates his MLB career. Their relationship started in December 2012 when they were just in high school.

The couple announced their pregnancy in October and welcomed their daughter, Arleth Assad Chacon, on Feb. 17.

Javier Assad is set to start in a key matchup in 2026 World Baseball Classic

Chicago Cubs pitcher Javier Assad is set to start against Italy for Mexico in the final group B game at th e the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Assad’s opposing starting pitcher is Aaron Nola of the Philadelphia Philies

Assad threw 3.2 innings without giving up a run in Mexico’s opening game against Great Britain on Friday. He has now pitched 9.2 innings without giving up a run in the World Baseball Classic. The righty pitcher was in the bullpen during the 2017 edition.

Mexico currently hold third position on the table, led by Italy, followed by the USA. Italy have won all the previous games and took down the mighty USA in their last game.

Meanwhile, Mexico lost a closely contested matchup against the USA, but they won against Great Britain and Brazil. A victory for Mexico would mean they would have three wins in Group B, which is the same as the USA and Italy.

Assuming a nine-inning game, Mexico could enter the quarterfinals if they defeat Italy. However, for the US to advance, Italy would have to lose by a margin of five runs or more.