Leaping Into the World Baseball Traditional’s Pool A

Last rosters for the 2026 World Baseball Traditional have been introduced late final week, so other than small modifications as a result of accidents or insurance coverage eligibility choices, we now know who can be suiting up for every nation when the match begins early subsequent month. On this sequence of posts you’ll discover a team-by-team breakdown with notable gamers, storylines to observe, and hypothesis on the intense stuff, similar to how the squad will fare on the sphere, in addition to commentary on among the much less severe stuff, like uniforms and crew aura.

First, a fast refresher on how the WBC works and all of the necessary particulars for this yr’s version. Twenty nations qualify for the match primarily based on efficiency both in pool play in the course of the earlier WBC or throughout qualifying occasions final spring. The 20 groups are divided into 4 swimming pools of 5 groups for the primary stage of the match, which runs from March 5 to March 11. Crew pool assignments have been made final April and tried to prioritize aggressive steadiness (understanding that ultimate rosters weren’t but identified), with host nations assigned to swimming pools taking part in of their residence nations. This yr, pool play can be performed at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Daikin Park in Houston, the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, and LoanDepot Park in Miami.

Throughout pool play, every crew performs the opposite 4 groups in its assigned pool, and the 2 groups with one of the best file in every pool advance to the Knockout stage. Throughout the Knockout stage, the remaining eight groups are positioned right into a single-elimination bracket that may decide the general winner. The primary spherical of bracket play will happen on March 13 and 14, with the semifinals on March 15 and 16, and the championship sport on March 17.

And if studying all of these logistics has you too amped to attend all the way in which till March 5 for the official first pitch — properly, March 5 in Japan anyway; the opening sport begins at 10 p.m. ET on March 4 — groups can be collaborating in a sequence of friendlies to get primed for the match beginning on February 20. Many of the early exhibition video games can be performed in Japan, Nicaragua, and Taiwan (and due to this fact, powerful for followers stateside to maintain tabs on), however on March 3 and 4 the nationwide groups collaborating in pool play in both Houston or Miami will face off towards MLB squads at spring coaching websites in each Arizona and Florida.

Now that we’ve received all of the scheduling and structural particulars sorted, we are able to soar into the swimming pools. This submit will cowl Pool A, with a subsequent submit to comply with on Swimming pools B, C, and D. A number of of the roster discussions will point out gamers who both is not going to be collaborating as a result of they have been denied insurance coverage protection by MLB’s supplier, or whose roster standing is unsure as a result of the choice to disclaim protection is at the moment being appealed. With out wandering too far down this specific tangent, it seems that the league’s insurance coverage supplier has elevated the price of insuring gamers towards damage in the course of the occasion and decreased the quantity of damage danger it’s keen to soak up. Thus, older gamers and gamers with latest damage histories have been deemed ineligible for protection. The change stems from significant accidents to gamers like Edwin Díaz and Jose Altuve in the course of the 2023 WBC. Below the brand new working process, sure groups misplaced key contributors, so it’s price noting the absences as we consider every squad’s chance to advance out of pool play.

Along with breaking down the rosters, every crew’s blurb may even include a little bit of a vibe examine in two main mediums — music and style. Since we’re speaking nationwide groups, I’ll be suggesting a secondary anthem for every squad, not as a substitute for any nation’s precise anthem, however extra of an off-the-cuff, and really a lot impermanent different. Consider it as a music that speaks to the crew’s vitality within the present second, whereas conserving in thoughts that the vitality may change at any time. Then, on the “look good, really feel good” entrance, we’ll try the uniforms every crew will sport this yr and render a fast improve/downgrade judgement relative to their 2023 threads. The uniforms for the present iteration of the match have been largely dealt with by Nike (Crew Japan, with its uniforms made by Mizuno, is the lone exception), whereas previously every particular person nation did its personal factor. This implies each crew could have the identical high quality of uniform, but in addition that Nike is the one guaranteeing the standard, which may imply something at this level. It additionally means much less variation in uniform design, because it’s clear Nike used the identical two templates for each crew.

Puerto Rico

Full Roster

Heading into the 2023 WBC, the Dominican Republic was among the many groups favored to win all of it, however with a win on the ultimate day of pool play, Puerto Rico eradicated the D.R. and superior to the Knockout stage, the place it misplaced a one-run sport to Mexico within the quarterfinals. However because the crew hit hardest by the modifications to insurance coverage insurance policies, Puerto Rico will look fairly a bit completely different this yr. Francisco Lindor, Carlos Correa, José Berríos, Emilio Pagán, and Alexis Díaz, amongst others, is not going to be collaborating as a result of denied protection. And if that weren’t sufficient, Javier Báez can be serving a suspension after testing optimistic for marijuana consumption on the finish of the final WBC. (Observe: MLB now not consists of marijuana on its banned substance listing, however it’s nonetheless banned underneath the principles governing worldwide play.) Early final week, earlier than ultimate rosters have been submitted, officers from Crew Puerto Rico indicated that it might have to withdraw from this yr’s WBC altogether, given the amount of gamers and star energy lacking from the roster. One among this yr’s host nations dropping out mere weeks earlier than the match actually would have solid a grim pall on the proceedings.

Because it stands, Crew Puerto Rico is collaborating and can be headlined by the aforementioned Edwin Díaz, who in contrast to his youthful brother Alexis is eligible to play, regardless of his position because the partial catalyst for tighter insurance coverage restrictions. The Dodgers nearer can be joined by Royals starter Seth Lugo, new Diamondbacks third baseman Nolan Arenado (who performed for the U.S. in each 2017 and 2023), and Giants left fielder Heliot Ramos. Except for regulars on main league golf equipment, two different fascinating classes of gamers pop up on WBC rosters: latest (or generally not so latest) massive leaguers and minor leaguers. Free agent outfielder Eddie Rosario has not formally retired, nor has he seen massive league motion since Could of final yr, however he’ll be on Puerto Rico’s roster, maybe auditioning for a minor league contract. When it comes to Crew Puerto Rico’s younger expertise on the rise, right-handed beginning pitcher Elmer Rodríguez, together with his upper-90s fastball and promising breaking balls, ranked third on the Yankees’ prime prospects listing from final season, whereas shortstop Edwin Arroyo, who as a strong defender with the kind of affect energy not sometimes seen in center infielders, got here in at no. 17 on the newly revealed listing of the highest Reds prospects.

Although this roster is actually weaker than it will desire, Pool A is pretty extensive open, so Puerto Rico nonetheless has a good shot to advance.

Uniforms In comparison with 2023? Downgrade

The 2023 uniforms had some inventive flare to them that simply isn’t there with the 2026 ones.

Secondary Anthem: “Uninvited” by Alanis Morissette

Not lots to clarify right here. This crew is haunted by ghosts of gamers unable to take part.

Cuba

Full Roster

Throughout the 2023 WBC, Cuba superior to the Knockout stage, the place it beat Australia within the quarterfinals earlier than shedding a 14-2 blowout to the U.S. within the semifinals. Previous to the final WBC, Cuban baseball authorities didn’t permit gamers dwelling overseas to play for the crew. However in 2023, the crew loosened its coverage on an invitation-only foundation, which led to a roster that includes Yoenis Cespedes, Roenis Elías, Yoán Moncada, and Luis Robert Jr. It’s not clear how Crew Cuba determined which gamers to ask and whether or not any who have been invited declined the chance, however the lack of transparency and uneven utility of the brand new coverage didn’t sit properly with Robert, who issued the next ultimatum again in December, “Till everyone seems to be allowed to play, I received’t play for Crew Cuba once more.”

With Robert sitting out, and Cespedes and Elías possible opting out as a result of age, the one energetic massive leaguers remaining on Cuba’s roster are Moncada and Toronto reliever Yariel Rodríguez. Infielder Andy Ibáñez, at the moment employed by the Athletics, performed for the 2023 squad, however doesn’t seem on the roster this time round. That mentioned, in case your eye lingered over the phrase energetic within the first sentence of this paragraph, questioning if that stage of specificity is admittedly obligatory, it’s. As a result of former White Sox shortstop and present 44-year-old Alexei Ramirez is making his return to the collective consciousness of U.S. baseball followers after not showing in an enormous league lineup in virtually a decade. He’ll be competing for enjoying time with 23-year-old Marlins minor leaguer Yiddi Cappe and 24-year-old Reds farmhand Alexander Vargas. I don’t know if Ramirez and Crew Cuba really intend for him to accrue significant taking part in time within the match, a lot much less compete for it, however we are able to benefit from the notion regardless. Even youthful than Cappe and Vargas is 21 year-old Daviel Hurtado, a left-handed starter within the Mets system, who pitched to a 2.70 ERA with a 24.6% strikeout fee over 46 2/3 innings in A-ball final season.

Like Puerto Rico, Cuba’s roster has taken a step again relative to 2023, however in Pool A something is feasible.

Uniforms In comparison with 2023? Downgrade

Among the many sea of purple and blue uniforms, the purple to blue ombre on the sleeves of the 2023 uniforms was an attention-grabbing means for the Cuban gamers to distinguish themselves, and now all they’ve is the star on the hat.

Secondary Anthem: “Seven Nation Military” by The White Stripes

I do know, I do know, I do know. Let me clarify. I’m properly conscious that the White Stripes are from Detroit and that Jack White appears to be some kind of hybrid fan of each the Cubs and Tigers. It’s additionally true that “Seven Nation Military” is routinely performed at each sports activities venue in North America to get the gang going, and in consequence, almost each fanbase claims the music as its personal. And one thing that belongs to everybody additionally belongs to nobody, and due to this fact, I can assign it to no matter crew I would like. To grasp why I’ve chosen it for Crew Cuba, I’d like to attract your consideration to this lyric from the music:

Backwards and forwards by my thoughts, behind a cigarette

A little bit mild googling of Alexei Ramirez and cigar and/or cigarette will reveal loads of smoking-related anecdotes within the participant’s lore, together with one the place he was seen smoking a cigar within the dugout earlier than a sport. In honor of the 44-year-old’s displaying as much as play in any respect, I feel it’s solely proper that Crew Cuba will get non permanent possession of the common hype music that additionally occurs to say a cigarette.

Canada

Full Roster

Crew Canada didn’t make it out of pool play in 2023, however it did share a pool with Mexico and the USA, two groups that will’ve been powerful for any opponent to edge out. The 2026 roster is remarkably just like the 2023 one. Although it’ll be with out Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman, Canada is gaining Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor. On the pitching aspect, Canada received’t have relievers Matt Brash and Cade Smith of the Mariners and Guardians, respectively, however it should have starter Jameson Taillon of the Cubs. “The Huge Maple,” aka James Paxton, may even be taking his rightful place on Crew Canada’s pitching workers. Certain, he final pitched within the majors in 2024, however the nickname alone is sufficient to earn a roster spot. Guardians catcher and Josh’s brother Bo Naylor is returning to the squad, together with Rockies infielder Edouard Julien, Marlins shortstop Otto Lopez, Athletics outfielder/acrobat Denzel Clarke, and Orioles outfielder Tyler O’Neill.

Among the many up and comers on the roster is Owen Caissie, who lately made information because the centerpiece of the Marlins’ return for beginning pitcher Edward Cabrera of their commerce with the Cubs. Caissie appeared in three video games for Canada in 2023 and logged a house run and 4 RBI, however he nonetheless qualifies as a younger participant that the majority followers haven’t seen face actual competitors but.

Although Canada is returning largely the identical roster from 2023, youthful gamers like Lopez, Clarke, Caissie, and Julien have gained appreciable expertise since then. This crew additionally isn’t in a pool with juggernauts just like the U.S. and Mexico this time, so its odds of advancing to the Knockout stage are trying lots higher.

Uniforms In comparison with 2023? Improve

The one cause these are an enchancment is as a result of they selected a extra applicable measurement for the lettering. In any other case the 2026 uniforms are fully soulless. The daring stripes on the sleeves and collar of the 2023 model are infinitely higher than the ho-hum piping Nike went with, however I can’t get previous the tiny fonts, which make the entire 2023 jersey appear to be a toddler’s arts and crafts venture.

Secondary Anthem: “mangetout” by Moist Leg

Sure elements of Canada famously converse French, and the phrases “mange tout” in French actually translate to “eat all,” which is a reasonably steel catchphrase for a sports activities crew. And since baseball gamers love saying “let it eat,” it really works on that stage, too. Moreover, the web informs me that mangetout is British slang for “Man, get out,” which is strengthened by the music’s pre-chorus (“Get misplaced without end” repeated thrice). Each “Man, get out” and “Get misplaced without end” are apt messages to purpose at opponent nations. Canada may even have one specific nation in thoughts as a goal for that messaging. However that is the place I additionally need to admit that I got here into this train decided to assign at the least one crew a music from the Heated Rivalry soundtrack, and since, for varied causes, Russia doesn’t take part within the WBC, Canada wins.

Panama

Full Roster

In 2023, Panama was a part of a pool wherein each crew went .500 throughout pool play, however it didn’t advance as a result of it ranked fourth in runs allowed per defensive out recorded, which is the metric used for breaking ties within the WBC. Relievers Justin Lawrence and Jaime Barria and catcher Christian Bethancourt have been the one massive leaguers on the 2023 squad. Barria and Bethancourt are each again this yr, although neither is within the majors anymore. Barria pitched within the Mexican League final season, and Bethancourt spent 2025 at Toronto’s Triple-A affiliate. Lawrence will stay in spring coaching with the Pirates fairly than suiting up for Panama this yr as a result of he’s amongst these deemed ineligible for insurance coverage.

However Panama is not going to be with out massive league expertise. Yankees infielder José Caballero has graduated to the majors since his final stint with Crew Panama in 2023, and becoming a member of the roster are Guardians pitcher Logan Allen, Cubs backup catcher Miguel Amaya, Phillies utility infielder Edmundo Sosa, and — pending an enchantment of his denied insurance coverage protection — Cardinals catcher and DH Iván Herrera. And although that isn’t precisely an inventory of All-Stars, that group is supplemented by a trio of present/latest prospects. Cardinals catcher Leonardo Bernal posted a 103 wRC+ in 455 Double-A plate appearances final yr and ranked ninth on the group’s 2026 preseason prime prospects listing. Center infielder Leo Jiménez received into 18 video games for the Blue Jays final yr and didn’t actually hit in any respect, however he was roughly a league-average hitter over 210 plate appearances in 2024, that mixed with the barrel management he displayed within the minors suggests he’ll determine issues out on the plate. Final yr, Orioles outfielder Enrique Bradfield Jr. made it to Triple-A in his second full season of professional ball. He ranked seventh on Baltimore’s 2025 in-season prime prospects listing and boasts 70-grade pace.

Although Panama’s 2026 roster feels stronger than the 2023 version, and it as soon as once more is in a comparatively tender pool of opponents, this crew nonetheless feels extra more likely to spoil another squad’s match aspirations than it’s to make a deep run.

Uniforms In comparison with 2023? Downgrade

I don’t love both model, however the greater lettering on the 2023 jerseys makes a stronger assertion, and the tri-color hat design is much less bland, too.

Secondary Anthem: “As Lengthy as We Bought Every Different” by B.J. Thomas and Dusty Springfield

This crew has two dudes named Leo, one among which is simply 21 years outdated, and the roster as a complete has 9 gamers aged 25 or youthful. For those who scroll virtually all the way in which to the underside of Leonardo DiCaprio’s appearing credit on IMDb, you’ll discover that when he was roughly 17, he appeared in 23 episodes of the tv present Rising Pains, which occurs to have an actual banger of a ‘90s fashion theme music. And although this must be an entertaining crew, it in all probability has some rising pains to work by earlier than it is able to make a extra titanic splash on the worldwide stage.

Colombia

Full Roster

Colombia mustered only one win within the 2023 WBC and completed final in a pool that included Nice Britain. However this yr’s squad does boast two notable, albeit growing old, additions to the roster. Each have been members of the 2017 crew however sat out in 2023. The primary of that duo is free agent beginning pitcher Jose Quintana, who brings 14 seasons of massive league expertise. He pitched for the Brewers in 2025, throwing 131 2/3 innings and posting a 3.96 ERA and a 4.81 FIP, and although he ended the season on the IL with a calf pressure, he was wholesome sufficient to come back again and throw 5 innings within the postseason. The second is 38-year-old infielder Donovan Solano, who has 12 seasons of massive league expertise and can be a free agent. Most of his taking part in time in 2025 was with the Mariners, the place he posted an 82 wRC+ over 176 plate appearances earlier than Seattle launched him on September 1.

Different outstanding members of the crew embody pitchers Nabil Crismatt, who signed a minor league cope with the Rangers after getting DFA’d by the Diamondbacks in September of final season, and Julio Teheran, who spent most of 2023 and 2024 at Triple-A earlier than returning to pitch within the Colombian League final yr. On the place participant aspect, there’s catcher Jorge Alfaro, who has been bouncing across the minors since 2023, and infielder Gio Urshela, who signed a minor league cope with the Twins earlier this week after getting launched by the Athletics final August. Though this crew is clearly not getting the height variations of Quintana or Solano, given the dearth of actual star energy elsewhere on the roster, Colombia would nonetheless fairly have them than not.

Trying on the youthful finish of the roster, second baseman Michael Arroyo is ranked sixth on the 2026 Mariners prime prospects listing and has the potential to hit for some energy. Past Arroyo, the way forward for Crew Colombia begins to look fairly dim.

Sadly, it appears unlikely that Colombia will be capable of enhance on its displaying from 2023.

Uniforms In comparison with 2023? Downgrade

Going with a shade of yellow that reaches out and slaps you within the face if you have a look at it as the first colour was a daring transfer for the 2023 jerseys, and I dig that far more than the cookie-cutter nonsense Nike cooked up. However I’ll say, I just like the 2026 hats extra as a result of they get a pop of purple in there, and the yellow appears to match the yellow on the uniform higher than within the 2023 one, the place the shade of yellow on the hat seems barely off relative to the jersey.

Secondary anthem: “Any person That I Used to Know” by Gotye

Crew Colombia goes to have us out right here Remembering Some Guys.