Rosters for all 20 teams in the 2026 World Baseball Classic were announced Thursday night, revealing stacked lineups led by the United States, Dominican Republic and defending champion Japan. The tournament, set for March 5-17, features a record 78 MLB All-Stars and highlights absences due to insurance issues and suspensions. Team USA boasts its strongest roster ever based on 2025 WAR totals.
The 2026 World Baseball Classic rosters, disclosed Thursday on MLB Network, showcase unprecedented talent across 20 nations, with 306 MLB-affiliated players and 190 on 40-man rosters. The United States enters as the early favorite with a roster totaling 118.1 WAR from 2025, surpassing previous editions like 2006's 109.5. Highlighting the pitching staff are reigning Cy Young winners Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal, backed by Joe Ryan and Logan Webb, alongside stars like Aaron Judge, Bryce Harper, Bobby Witt Jr. and unsigned free agent Paul Goldschmidt. The team includes 22 MLB All-Stars, the most in the tournament.
The Dominican Republic fields a powerhouse offense featuring Juan Soto, Fernando Tatis Jr., Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Manny Machado, Julio Rodríguez and Junior Caminero, supported by improved pitching from Sandy Alcantara, Brayan Bello, Cristopher Sánchez and Luis Severino. With 16 All-Stars, they aim to rebound from a 2023 first-round exit and echo their 2013 championship. Japan, the 2023 winners, returns Shohei Ohtani—pitching only this time—along with Yoshinobu Yamamoto, a record nine MLB players and NPB standouts like Sawamura Award winner Hiromi Itoh and 40-homer MVP Teruaki Sato.
Puerto Rico faces challenges hosting Pool A in San Juan without José Berríos, Carlos Correa, Francisco Lindor and Victor Caratini due to denied insurance, plus Javier Báez's suspension for a 2023 marijuana test positive, lasting until April 26, 2026. Nolan Arenado switches from USA to lead their infield with prospects like Edwin Arroyo. Italy emerges as a sleeper with starters Aaron Nola and Michael Lorenzen, a deep bullpen including Adam Ottavino and prospects like Jac Caglianone.
Notable milestones include Cuba's Alexei Ramírez, 44, as the potential oldest WBC player ever, and Brazil's Joseph Contreras, 17, the youngest. The New York Mets contribute the most players with 17, including Juan Soto and Nolan McLean. Pools are set in San Juan, Houston, Tokyo and Miami, promising intense international competition.
