Team Canada approaches the 2026 World Baseball Classic with unprecedented roster depth and confidence to advance past the pool stage for the first time in tournament history. Manager Ernie Whitt emphasized the excitement of starting a potential Major League lineup at every position. Placed in Pool A without Team USA or Mexico, the Canadians aim to leverage their talent in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Team Canada has never advanced beyond the group stage in the six previous World Baseball Classics, but the 2026 edition presents a promising opportunity. In 2023, they finished 2-2 in pool play, securing wins of 18-8 over Great Britain and 5-0 over Colombia, but losses of 12-1 to the United States and 10-3 to Mexico left them third in the pool, earning automatic qualification for 2026.
The team's strength lies in its position players, featuring Major Leaguers like first baseman Josh Naylor, who signed a five-year, $92.5 million contract with the Seattle Mariners after hitting 51 home runs over the past two seasons. His brother, catcher Bo Naylor, is expected behind the plate alongside Liam Hicks. Second baseman Edouard Julien and shortstop Otto Lopez complete a strong infield. In the outfield, Tyler O’Neill, with 30-plus homers in 2021 and 2024, joins Denzel Clarke, known for spectacular catches.
Pitching remains a question mark, though arms like Matt Brash, Jameson Taillon, Michael Soroka, and Cal Quantrill are committed. Prospect Owen Caissie, who debuted in MLB in 2025 and hit a monster homer in the 2023 WBC, adds outfield depth after moving to the Marlins.
Notable absences include Freddie Freeman, who has opted out, and reliever Jordan Romano. Whitt, speaking at the Winter Meetings, said, “We’re going to start a potential Major League lineup in every position and have some depth off the bench that would be Major League quality as well.” On Naylor, he added, “He really embraces what it means to play playoff baseball... bringing him back in the mix this time around I think is really going to add a dimension of intensity.”
Pool A games at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan include March 7 against Colombia, March 8 versus Panama, March 10 facing Puerto Rico, and March 11 against Cuba. Advancement leads to quarterfinals on March 13-14 in Miami. Whitt noted, “It’s going to be a really competitive pool, but... we’re going to be one of those teams that can definitely aspire to get out of the first round.” Historically, Canada's best WBC moment was the 2006 upset of the US 8-6, though they didn't advance due to run differential. They earned Olympic bronze medal matches in 2004 (fourth place) and World Cup bronzes in 2009 and 2011.
