Only eight teams remain in the 2026 World Baseball Classic after pool play, with quarterfinal matchups set for Miami and Houston this weekend. MLB.com voters ranked the contenders based on their performances, highlighting standout players from each squad. The Dominican Republic tops the list after a perfect pool stage.
The 2026 World Baseball Classic has narrowed to its quarterfinal stage, featuring eight teams vying for semifinal spots. The games are scheduled for Friday and Saturday in Miami and Houston. On Friday, the Dominican Republic faces Korea at 6:30 p.m. ET on FS2, followed by Team USA against Canada at 8 p.m. ET on FOX. Saturday's action includes Italy versus Puerto Rico at 3 p.m. ET on FS1 and Japan taking on Venezuela at 9 p.m. ET on FOX.
Fifteen MLB.com voters provided power rankings for the quarterfinalists, considering their pool play showings. The Dominican Republic earned the top spot, up from third in initial rankings, with a flawless 4-0 record. Fernando Tatis Jr. stood out as their pool play star, going 6-for-13 with two home runs, five walks, and nine RBIs. Teammates Vladimir Guerrero Jr. contributed six hits and two home runs, Juan Soto added two home runs and five walks, and Brayan Bello pitched five innings allowing one run while striking out seven.
Japan held steady at number one from the start, led by designated hitter Shohei Ohtani's 5-for-9 performance, including two home runs, four walks, and six RBIs across three games. The United States, ranked second, advanced after a close 5-3 win over Mexico, thanks to Paul Skenes' debut: four scoreless innings, one hit, seven strikeouts, and one walk.
Venezuela sits fourth, powered by Luis Arraez's 7-for-14 line with two home runs, four doubles, and nine RBIs. Italy jumped to fifth from 12th, with Vinnie Pasquantino hitting three home runs in a 9-1 victory over Mexico. Puerto Rico's Luis Quiñones impressed with four hitless innings and seven strikeouts. Korea's Bo Gyeong Moon led pool hitters with 11 RBIs, going 7-for-13 with two home runs. Canada rounds out the list, featuring Owen Caissie's seven hits, one home run, and three doubles in 14 at-bats.
These rankings reflect the teams' momentum heading into the high-stakes games.
