Ranking the 2026 World Baseball Classic Rosters
The 2026 World Baseball Classic official rosters have been announced, and 20 teams will compete to try to win the championship! Below are our rankings on who has the best chance to win and who are the biggest long shots.
Biggest Long Shots
No. 20 Brazil
MLB/MiLB Players: Pietro Albanez, Gabriel Barbosa, Pedro Da Costa Lemos, Daniel Missaki, Lucas Ramirez
Mets Players: None
This is Brazil’s first time in the WBC since 2013 and only their second-ever appearance. 35-year-old Leonardo Reginatto competed with Brazil in their last WBC run, and Dante Bichette Jr., brother of new Met Bo Bichette, will play for Team Brazil.
No. 19 Czech Republic
MLB/MiLB Players: None
Mets Players: None
The Czech Republic are the only team in the WBC that does not boast any current MLB talent, though free agent Terrin Vavra has appeared in 68 big-league games throughout his career. They will look to top their magical 2023 WBC run.
No. 18 Chinese Taipei
MLB/MiLB Players: Po-Yu Chen, Tsung-Che Cheng, Stuart Fairchild, Hao-Yu Lee, Wei-En Lin, Yu-Min Lin, Jonathon Long, Tzu-Chen Sha, Chen Zhong-Ao Zhuang
Mets Players: None
Chinese Taipei has some intriguing MLB prospects, including Wei-En Lin as well as Tsung-Che Cheng, who made his debut for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2025. They also have a strong A’s contingent and some interesting pitching.
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
No. 17 Nicaragua
MLB/MiLB Players: Stiven Cruz, Duque Hebbert, Ismael Munguia, Oscar Rayo, Carlos Rodriguez, Mark Vientos, Freddy Zamora
Mets Players: Mark Vientos
Current Met Mark Vientos is the most experienced MLB player on the team. As the smallest country in the WBC, winning their first game ever in the tournament would be a large moment.
No. 16 Great Britain
MLB/MiLB Players: Jack Anderson, Brendan Beck, Tristan Beck, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Willis Cresswell, Nate Eaton, Harry Ford, Gary Gill Hill, Ivan Johnson, Antonio Knowles, Matt Koperniak, Miles Langhorne, Ian Lewis, Ryan Long, BJ Murray, Michael Petersen, Kristian Robinson, Jack Seppings, Najer Victor, Owen Wild
Mets Players: None
Great Britain made their first WBC appearance in 2023 and surprised viewers by defeating Colombia. Led by Jazz Chisholm Jr., they have many major league and minor league players and will look to move further than they did the last time around.
Dark Horse Candidates
No. 15 Australia
MLB/MiLB Players: Travis Bazzana, Max Durrington, Curtis Mead, Mitch Neunborn, Blake Townsend
Mets Players: None
Team Australia reached the quarterfinals for the first time in 2023 and will look to move even further in 2026. With top prospect Bazzana, Team Australia has a largely homegrown team. Baseball has been growing “down under” and they will be able to showcase that in the WBC.
No. 14 Panama
MLB/MiLB Players: Logan Allen, Miguel Amaya, Leo Bernal, Christian Bethancourt, Enrique Bradfield Jr., José Caballero, Miguel Cienfuegos, James Gonzalez, Javy Guerra, Iván Herrera, Leo Jiménez, Abdiel Mendoza, Jose Ramos, Erian Rodriguez, Edmundo Sosa
Mets Players: Jose Ramos
Panama returns to the WBC after making it in 2023. They have some strong MLB talent, including Iván Herrera, Jośe Caballero and Miguel Amaya. Mets minor leaguer outfielder Jose Ramos will look to build on his strong season in Triple-A. Their lineup is solid, but their pitching has some question marks.
No. 13 Colombia
MLB/MiLB Players: Jorge Alfaro, Michael Arroyo, Austin Bergner, Brayan Buelvas, Gustavo Campero, Nabil Crismatt, Dayan Frias, Tayron Guerrero, David Lorduy, Reiver Sanmartin, Guillo Zuñiga
Mets Players: None
Colombia’s presence in baseball has been growing over the last decade as shown by the large number of MLB-affiliated players on their team. They are light on pitching depth but they hope their lineup can propel them forward.
No. 12 Israel
MLB/MiLB Players: Harrison Bader, Charlie Beilenson, Josh Blum, Matt Bowman, Cole Carrigg, Harrison Cohen, Jordan Geber, Jake Gelof, Spencer Horwitz, Troy Johnston, Dean Kremer, Max Lazar, Carlos Lequerica, Zach Levenson, Josh Mallitz, Noah Mendlinger, Matt Mervis, Eli Morgan, Ryan Prager, RJ Schreck, Ben Simon, Robert Stock, CJ Stubbs, Garrett Stubbs
Mets Players: Josh Blum, Jordan Gerber, Benjamin Simon, Robert Stock
Harrison Bader, Spencer Horwitz, and Dean Kremer are a good starting point for Team Israel. Toss in 2024 Mets draftee Josh Blum, 2023 draftee Benjamin Simon and Mets minor leaguer Jordan Geber, and Team Israel is looking to utilize their young core to compete.
No. 11 Cuba
MLB/MiLB Players: Yiddi Cappe, Emmanuel Chapman, Naykel Cruz, Omar Hernández, Daviel Hurtado, Yoán Moncada, Yariel Rodríguez, Alexander Vargas
Mets Players: Daviel Hurtado
Cuba has been a dominant force in international baseball for decades and brings with them a strong pitching staff. Yoán Moncada may be the most recognizable name, but Mets minor leaguer Daviel Hurtado will look to capitalize on his 2.70 ERA in A-Ball this year, and he even got a call out by Baseball America in their team breakdown.
Could Be Contenders
No. 10 Puerto Rico
MLB/MiLB Players: Nolan Arenado, Edwin Arroyo, Willi Castro, Carlos Cortes, Fernando Cruz, Edwin Díaz, Jose Espada, Rico Garcia, Darell Hernaiz, Matthew Lugo, Seth Lugo, Jovani Morán, Luis Quinones, Heliot Ramos, Yacksel Ríos, Eduardo Rivera, Elmer Rodríguez, Bryan Torres, Luis Vázquez, Ricardo Velez
Mets Players: None
Puerto Rico should be further up on this list. But with Francisco Lindor and Carlos Correa unable to participate due to insurance issues, it is hard to rank them much higher. They aren’t without some big names – former Met Edwin Díaz, new Diamondback Nolan Arenado, and Giants outfielder Heliot Ramos are on the team – but this is not the star-studded team of past years. Their pitching is also a question mark, so an elite lineup would have been a difference-maker.
No. 9 Italy
MLB/MiLB Players: Sam Aldegheri, Dan Altavilla, Sam Antonacci, Jac Caglianone, Dominic Canzone, Dylan DeLucia, Zach Dezenzo, Alessandro Ercolani, Matt Festa, Andrew Fischer, Gordon Graceffo, Alek Jacob, Joe La Sorsa, Michael Lorenzen, Ron Marinaccio, Jakob Marsee, Miles Mastrobuoni, Nick Morabito, Kyle Nicolas, Aaron Nola, Dante Nori, Vinnie Pasquantino, Thomas Saggese, Kyle Teel, Greg Weissert
Mets Players: Nick Morabito
Team Italy boasts some of the most exciting young talent in the majors with Jac Caglianone and Kyle Teel, as well as more established players like Vinnie Pasquantino and Dominic Canzone. Mets prospect Nick Morabito will look to build off of a strong showing in the Arizona Fall League as he looks to make it to the big league club in 2026. They have plenty of veteran pitching and should be able to slug quite a few balls out of the park.
Jared Young (29) Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
No. 8 Canada
MLB/MiLB Players: Micah Ashman, Tyler Black, Owen Caissie, Eric Cerantola, Denzel Clarke, Indigo Diaz, Liam Hicks, Antoine Jean, Edouard Julien, Carter Loewen, Otto Lopez, Adam Macko, Bo Naylor, Josh Naylor, Tyler O’Neill, Cal Quantrill, Michael Soroka, Jameson Taillon, Abraham Toro, Matt Wilkinson, Jared Young, Rob Zastryzny
Mets Players: Jared Young
Team Canada includes a good mix of established veterans like Josh Naylor, Jameson Taillon and Tyler O’Neill, as well as young talent like Owen Caissie. After a stint in the KBO, Mets player Jared Young got some sporadic play in the majors in 2025. The rest of the season, he dominated in Triple-A and will look to try and make the major league club’s Opening Day roster. Team Canada has yet to make it past the first round and will look to utilize their balanced team to do that in 2026.
No. 7 Netherlands
MLB/MiLB Players: Ozzie Albies, Xander Bogaerts, Jamdrick Cornelia, Dayson Croes, Jaydenn Estanista, Kenley Jansen, Druw Jones, Antwone Kelly, Jaitoine Kelly, Ryjeteri Merite, Shawndrick Oduber, Jurickson Profar, Ceddanne Rafaela, Chadwick Tromp, Dylan Wilson
Mets Players: Jamdrick Cornelia
Team Netherlands has a strong showing of MLB talent with Jurickson Profar, Kenley Jansen, Ozzie Albies, Ceddanne Rafaela and Xander Bogaerts as well as young talent, including prospects Antwone Kelly and his brother Jaitoine Kelly. Mets prospect Jamdrick Cornelia is only 19 and has yet to pitch stateside, but could pitch some innings out of the bullpen. Team Netherlands will look to do better than their two fourth-place finishes in 2013 and 2017.
No. 6 Korea
MLB/MiLB Players: Dane Dunning, Woo-Suk Go, Jahmai Jones, Hyeseong Kim, Jung Hoo Lee, Riley O’Brien, Shay Whitcomb
Mets Players: None
Korea’s presence in MLB has grown in recent years and with established players including Jung Hoo Lee and Dane Dunning, Dodgers 2025 signing Hyeseong Kim, and many talented KBO players, they will look to rely on their polished strike-throwing pitchers and contact-based hitters.
The Main Contenders
No. 5 Mexico
MLB/MiLB Players: Jonathan Aranda, Randy Arozarena, Javier Assad, Brennan Bernardino, Taj Bradley, Alex Carrillo, Daniel Duarte, Jarren Duran, Robert Garcia, Luis Gastelum, Nick Gonzales, Alejandro Kirk, Joey Meneses, Andrés Muñoz, Samy Natera Jr., Joey Ortiz, Alejandro Osuna, Jared Serna, Alek Thomas, Victor Vodnik, Taijuan Walker
Mets Players: Alex Carrillo, Daniel Duarte
Team Mexico boasts a strong outfield with Randy Arozoaena and Jarren Duran, a strong bullpen with Andrés Muñoz, Robert Garcia and Victor Vodnik, a top catcher in Alejandro Kirk, strong infield defense with Joey Ortiz, and more. Their lineup and bullpen are strong, but their rotation is their weak point. Mets reliever Alex Carrillo made the majors briefly with the club in 2025, and Daniel Duarte recently signed a minor league deal with the club.
No. 4 Venezuela
MLB/MiLB Players: Wilyer Abreu, Ronald Acuña Jr., José Alvarado, Luis Arraez, Eduard Bazardo, José Buttó, Jackson Chourio, William Contreras, Willson Contreras, Enmanuel De Jesus, Maikel Garcia, Andrés Giménez, Yoendrys Gómez, Carlos Guzman, Pablo López, Keider Montero, Oddanier Mosqueda, Daniel Palencia, Salvador Perez, Eduardo Rodriguez, Javier Sanoja, Antonio Senzatela, Eugenio Suárez, Ranger Suárez, Gleyber Torres, Ezequiel Tovar, Angel Zerpa
Mets Players: Carlos Guzman
Team Venezuela has one of the strongest lineups in the WBC, which includes Ronald Acuña Jr., Jackson Chourio, Wilyer Abreu, Salvador Perez, both Contreras brothers, and Luis Arraez. The rotation is not the deepest, but Pablo López and Ranger Suarez are a strong one-two punch. Former Met José Buttó, Jose Alvarado and Daniel Palencia make up part of the bullpen. Former Met Andrés Giménez is a clear boost for their defense as well. This roster full of established players will look to win it all. Mets minor leaguer Carlos Guzman could also pitch out of the bullpen this WBC.
Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
No. 3 Dominican Republic
MLB Players: Sandy Alcantara, Elvis Alvarado, Brayan Bello, Huascar Brazobán, Junior Caminero, Oneil Cruz, Seranthony Domínguez, Camilo Doval, Carlos Estévez, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Manny Machado, Ketel Marte, Jeremy Peña, Geraldo Perdomo, Wandy Peralta, Agustín Ramírez, Julio Rodríguez, Johan Rojas, Amed Rosario, Cristopher Sánchez, Dennis Santana, Luis Severino, Gregory Soto, Juan Soto, Fernando Tatis Jr., Edwin Uceta, Abner Uribe, Austin Wells
Mets Players: Huascar Brazobán, Juan Soto
There are arguments that a team which includes Juan Soto, Fernando Tatis Jr., Julio Rodriguez, Sandy Alcantara, Oneil Cruz, Jeremy Pena, Christopher Sánchez and more has to be the best team in the WBC, but this shows how competitive the top teams are. They may have the best lineup in the WBC, and while the top of the pitching is strong, their depth could be tested. Mets reliever Huascar Brazobán could be leaned on heavily while Juan Soto leads the lineup.
No. 2 Japan
MLB Players: Yusei Kikuchi, Yuki Matsui, Munetaka Murakami, Shohei Ohtani, Kazuma Okamoto, Seiya Suzuki, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Masataka Yoshida
Mets Players: None
There are arguments the defending champion Team Japan should be No. 1 with Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Seiya Suzuki and Munetaka Murakami on the team alongside the NPB stars. Ohtani will only be hitting this year, though, which makes Yamamoto the clear ace of the staff. This team is strong across all areas and will look to win it all again.
Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
No. 1 USA
MLB Players: David Bednar, Matthew Boyd, Alex Bregman, Byron Buxton, Corbin Carroll, Garrett Cleavinger, Ernie Clement, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Bryce Harper, Gunnar Henderson, Clay Holmes, Griffin Jax, Aaron Judge, Brad Keller, Nolan McLean, Mason Miller, Cal Raleigh, Joe Ryan, Kyle Schwarber, Paul Skenes, Will Smith, Tarik Skubal, Gabe Speier, Brice Turang, Michael Wacha, Logan Webb, Garrett Whitlock, Bobby Witt Jr.
Mets Players: Clay Holmes, Nolan McLean
This may be the strongest Team USA in the history of the WBC. A rotation led by Tarik Skubal, Paul Skenes, Joe Ryan, and Logan Webb would be the best in the sport. Mets pitchers Clay Holmes and Nolan McLean will likely pitch out of the bullpen, which shows the team’s depth. The lineup is full of too many stars to name. If any team is going to dethrone Japan in 2026, it will likely be Team USA.
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