The rosters for the 2026 World Baseball Traditional had been introduced late final week, so other than adjustments because 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 watch, and hypothesis on the intense stuff, reminiscent of how the squad will fare on the sphere, in addition to commentary on among the much less critical stuff, like uniforms and workforce aura.
If you happen to missed the submit overlaying Pool A, otherwise you want a fast refresher on how the WBC works, you possibly can make amends for that right here. And the submit overlaying Pool B is true over right here.
The 5 groups competing in Pool C — Japan, South Korea, Australia, Czechia, and Chinese language Taipei — will play their video games in Tokyo from March 5 to March 10. The 2 golf equipment with the most effective data after taking part in every of the opposite 4 will advance to the Knockout stage, the place they may compete in a single-elimination bracket in opposition to the six groups that advance from the opposite swimming pools.
Along with breaking down the rosters, every workforce’s blurb will even comprise a little bit of a vibe test in two major mediums — music and vogue. Since we’re speaking nationwide groups, I’ll be suggesting a secondary anthem for every squad, not as a alternative for any nation’s precise anthem, however extra of a casual, and really a lot impermanent different. Consider it as a tune that speaks to the workforce’s vitality within the present second, whereas protecting in thoughts that the vitality may change at any time. Then, on the “look good, really feel good” entrance, we’ll take a look at the uniforms every workforce 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 had been largely dealt with by Nike (Workforce Japan, with its uniforms made by Mizuno, is the lone exception), whereas up to now every particular person nation did its personal factor. This implies each workforce could have the identical high quality of uniform, but additionally 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 workforce.
Japan
The reigning champions from 2023’s WBC simply disposed of their pool play opponents final outing, racking up a run differential of 30 over simply 4 video games. In 2026, they’ve been positioned in a pool with virtually the very same set of opponents. Blink and you might not discover that Workforce China was swapped out for Chinese language Taipei (Taiwan). Due to this fact, Japan is mainly a lock to advance to the Knockout stage. There have been some minor adjustments to the roster, however none that counsel this workforce can be something aside from superb.
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Yu Darvish is not going to pitch for Workforce Japan in 2026, however after permitting three residence runs in six innings of labor in 2023, Darvish’s absence might rely as an addition by subtraction. Extra notably, Japan’s pitching employees will even be with out Shohei Ohtani, Roki Sasaki, Shota Imanaga, and Shosei Togo, who collectively pitched to a 2.54 ERA over 28 1/3 innings. Granted, Imanaga was not pretty much as good for the Cubs in 2025 as he was in 2024, and Sasaki’s debut season for the Dodgers failed to satisfy expectations, so we are able to’t assume they might have matched their manufacturing from 2023, however that’s nonetheless lots of high quality innings that Workforce Japan might want to exchange.
Stepping up of their stead can be Angels starter and the king of sleep hygiene Yusei Kikuchi, Rockies starter Tomoyuki Sugano, who posted a 4.64 ERA over 157 innings with the Orioles final season (his first after coming over from NPB), and Atsuki Taneichi, who racked up the fifth-most strikeouts and logged the Seventeenth-lowest ERA in NPB final yr. Returning to Japan’s pitching employees are World Collection MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto; Hiroya Miyagi, who threw 5 innings and allowed only one run whereas putting out seven within the 2023 WBC and put up the Twelfth-best ERA in NPB final yr; Taisei Ota, who pitched 4 scoreless innings out of the bullpen in 2023; and Hiromi Itoh, who additionally held opponents scoreless in three reduction appearances over the last WBC, however began 27 video games in NPB final season and pitched to a 2.52 ERA over 196 2/3 innings, with the fourth-highest strikeout charge within the league at 24.5%.
Regardless of the subtractions from the roster, the pitching appears properly in hand, however these hoping for an early take a look at Tatsuya Imai, who signed with the Astros early final month, must hope they’ll catch him on a spring coaching mound, as he is not going to be suiting up for Japan. Nonetheless, the identical can’t be stated for the opposite massive identify Japanese gamers who signed with MLB golf equipment this winter. Although they each performed for Workforce Japan in 2023, third baseman Munetaka Murakami, who signed with the White Sox simply earlier than Christmas, and nook infielder Kazuma Okamoto, who inked a cope with the Blue Jays in early January, will be a part of Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki, Purple Sox outfielder/DH Masataka Yoshida, and Dodgers DH Ohtani because the place gamers on the roster with MLB affiliations.
NPB gamers coming back from Japan’s 2023 squad embrace outfielder Kensuke Kondoh, who has averaged a 192 wRC+ within the three seasons for the reason that final WBC, and second baseman Shugo Maki, who averaged a 148 wRC+ over that very same time span. New to the squad this yr are third baseman Teruaki Sato, outfielder Shota Morishita, and shortstop Kaito Kozono, who all ranked within the high 20 by wRC+ in NPB final yr.
As soon as once more, Workforce Japan is shaping as much as be a wagon.
Uniforms In comparison with 2023? Improve
The first pinstripes stay largely unchanged, other than ditching the piping alongside the collar and buttons, which makes for a barely cleaner look. The navy jerseys put off the standard underarm colour blocking in favor of extra fiery swoops of crimson throughout the shoulder and midsection. The added flare is an enchancment, as is eradicating the gold accent colour from beneath the brim of the hat. General, Japan simplified its look, however with out getting all boring and boilerplate about it.
Secondary Anthem: “All Star” by Smash Mouth
It’s a barely completely different Workforce Japan this yr, however as Steve Harwell sings when he will get to the bridge, we may all use somewhat change. And although the considered this deeply American tune representing Japan might really feel ludicrous, as one of many solely different groups with a roster stuffed with All-Star caliber gamers, this group can completely pull it off. And after taking Workforce USA down a peg in 2023, Japan has the precise to co-opt no matter American songs it desires. Now when you’re nonetheless not on board, think about Ohtani making the L form along with his fingers within the handshake line after a win (and picture the handshake line nonetheless entails shaking palms along with your opponent) after which attempt to inform me this isn’t an excellent thought.
South Korea
Throughout pool play in 2023, South Korea earned wins in opposition to Czechia and China, however did not advance to the Knockout stage. The 2023 squad didn’t pitch all that properly, however the hitters made a ton of contact and obtained on base. South Korea outscored each different workforce in its pool by averaging 11 hits, greater than 4 walks, and 10 runs per sport. After perusing the roster, it’s trying just like the 2026 iteration of the workforce will observe the same system.
The pitching employees is getting a lift from newcomers Dane Dunning and Riley O’Brien. After three strong seasons beginning for the Rangers, Dunning has struggled to hold within the majors over the previous couple of years. He misplaced a tick of velo and developed an unhealthy homer behavior, however he’s most likely nonetheless obtained sufficient within the tank to outlive in brief spurts in opposition to Korea’s non-Japanese opponents. O’Brien posted a 2.06 ERA in 48 innings of reduction final yr, however no person seen as a result of he did it for the Cardinals. After lacking the 2023 match, Hyun Jin Ryu is again pitching for Korea. Ryu final threw within the majors in 2023 with the Blue Jays, and after struggling to remain wholesome these final couple of years in Toronto, he’s thrown practically 300 innings within the KBO over the past two seasons, with an ERA of three.57. Different KBO pitchers rounding out South Korea’s employees embrace Tae-in Gained, Hyeong Jun So, and Seung Ki Music, who had been all top-20 pitchers by ERA within the KBO final season, with Gained posting the second lowest stroll charge. (Ryu was third.)
The offense, led by Giants outfielder Jung Hoo Lee, will as soon as once more be an on-base machine. Hyun Min Ahn took residence 2025 KBO Rookie of the Yr honors after main the league with a 177 wRC+ and posting a .448 on-base share. Among the many different KBO hitters on the roster, outfielders Ja-wook Koo and Hyun Bin Moon, together with infielders Ju Gained Kim, Si-hwan Roh, and Bo-gyeong Moon all logged a wRC+ of at the very least 124 with an on-base share of at the very least .354 in 2025. In the meantime, third baseman Do Yeong Kim battled accidents in 2025, however took residence MVP honors and a Gold Glove in 2024 after posting a 168 wRC+ with a .420 on-base share. And Kim isn’t the one gold glover on the roster. Ahn, Koo, Roh, Lee, and Dodgers second baseman Hyeseong Kim have all taken residence a KBO Gold Glove sooner or later between 2022 and 2025.
Along with Lee and Hyeseong Kim, South Korea will even get some massive league expertise from the Tigers’ Jahmai Jones and the Astros’ Shay Whitcomb. Each Jones and Whitcomb have been restricted to a utility bench position within the majors thus far, however Jones is coming off a season through which he accrued a career-high 150 plate appearances with a 159 wRC+, and Whitcomb has continued to progress on the plate by refining his swing mechanics.
Although a few of these KBO numbers are definitely gaudy, as soon as South Korea runs up in opposition to among the match’s stiffer competitors, the outcomes might not translate in addition to the workforce would love. However given how weak the pool is other than Japan, South Korea nonetheless has an honest shot to advance and must be a enjoyable group to look at regardless.
Uniforms In comparison with 2023? Downgrade
The sleeve design was approach higher on the 2023 mannequin. It offers South Korea a novel look with out going excessive. And the photograph choice is my approach of noting there’s no Tommy Edman this yr, both.
Secondary Anthem: “Hooligan” by The Smashing Pumpkins
There’s a grassroots group of Giants followers who name themselves the “Hoo Lee Gans” in help of Jung Hoo Lee. They sit collectively at video games and attempt to create a cheering ambiance just like what you may see within the stands at a KBO sport. They put on wigs and do chants within the identify of cultivating a neighborhood amongst followers and celebrating the joyful vitality Lee brings to the sport. And it’s that joyful vitality South Korea ought to emphasize throughout its WBC video games. There’s even part of the tune that goes, “Oh oh oh I’m a hooligan!” that would simply be clipped and performed within the stadium so followers can sing alongside anytime Lee does one thing cool.
Australia
With wins over South Korea, China, and Czechia, the 2023 iteration of Workforce Australia was in a position to advance to the Knockout stage earlier than falling to Cuba within the quarterfinals. And despite the fact that the 2026 workforce must be a tiny bit higher than 2023’s squad, it’s unlikely the membership manages to sneak previous South Korea once more. It is because there’s little or no present, former, or future massive league expertise on Australia’s roster. This can be a present with one headliner, a gap act folks have at the very least heard of, and that’s about it.
That headliner is Travis Bazzana, the no. 1 general decide by the Guardians within the 2024 draft. Bazzana is at present the fourth-ranked prospect in Cleveland’s system, and I’m going to cite immediately from Eric Longenhagen and Brendan Gawlowski in the latest prospect report on Bazzana as a result of my eyes bugged out somewhat as I used to be studying it.
A six-sport athlete at Turramurra Excessive Faculty in Australia (about 20 minutes north of the Sydney Opera Home), Bazzana ran monitor (100m sprint, lengthy bounce and excessive bounce), performed soccer, basketball, and rugby, lettered in cricket beginning in seventh grade, captained a state championship workforce, and was on Australia’s U18 Baseball World Cup roster in 2019. He was instantly a superb faculty hitter at Oregon State, the place he slashed .360/.497/.660 all through his profession and posted a .407/.568/.911 line as a junior with 28 homers and solely 37 strikeouts. The Guardians made him the primary general decide within the 2024 draft and despatched Bazzana straight to Excessive-A Lake County, then to Double-A Akron when camp broke in 2025. He slashed .245/.389/.424 on the season (with a six-week midseason absence because of an indirect pressure) and reached Triple-A Columbus in August.
He’s a disciplined hitter with a proclivity for pull-side energy, and the WBC gives a enjoyable alternative for the parents with out an MiLB TV subscription to see him in motion.
The opposite member of Workforce Australia you’ll have heard of is White Sox infielder Curtis Mead. Mead was a High 100 prospect as just lately as 2024, however he’s failed to ascertain himself as a daily within the majors, despite the fact that he has wrangled his tendency to chase pitches exterior the zone. At 25 years previous, there’s nonetheless time for Mead to place all of it collectively, but when he’s not cautious, his lasting legacy can be because the man the Phillies traded to amass Cristopher Sánchez.
However simply because Australia doesn’t have lots of recognizable names on its roster doesn’t imply it’s with out some nice names. Right here’s a sampling: Warwick Saupold, Todd Van Steensel, Lachlan Wells, Jarryd Dale, Robbie Glendinning, Rixon Wingrove, and Ulrich Bojarski.
Hopefully Workforce Australia enjoys its time in Japan as a result of it’s most likely not making it to the quarterfinals in Miami.
Uniforms In comparison with 2023? Improve
The 2023 uniforms have good components, however general they’re a bit too plain Jane. The 2026 model provides simply sufficient element to make the look extra polished, even when they’re the identical considerably uninteresting particulars that Nike used for all of the jerseys. Nonetheless, I do reserve the precise to vary my opinion if we discover out they didn’t preserve the 2023 socks.
Secondary Anthem: “Opalite” by Taylor Swift
Australia’s nationwide ladies’s basketball workforce known as the Opals, and so they placed on a a lot stronger exhibiting throughout worldwide competitions than the nationwide baseball workforce does. The Opals present an aspirational mannequin for Australia’s baseball workforce, and “Opalite” will preserve that purpose recent within the gamers’ minds as they dance by the lightning strikes, ready for higher prospects to come up. Come to consider it, do both of Lauren Jackson’s youngsters play baseball?
Czechia
Czechia’s 8-5 win over China in 2023 was its solely victory of the match, but it surely was sufficient to qualify the workforce for the 2026 WBC. The 2 finest performing pitchers from the 2023 squad can be returning this yr. Martin Schneider made two appearances through which he threw seven innings, allowed two runs, walked 4 and struck out two. Jeff Barto obtained into only one sport, however pitched 5 2/3 innings with one earned run, no walks, and no strikeouts. Each pitchers at the moment are of their late 30s, in order that they might not be as efficient this time round.
On offense, this yr’s workforce can be with out Matej Menšik, who hit Czechia’s first WBC residence run in 2023, however his youthful brother, Vojtech Menšik, is on the roster. The youthful Menšik tallied 4 hits, two walks, and scored three runs over 4 video games over the last match. The workforce’s finest hitter in 2023 was former Athletic Eric Sogard, who slashed .438/.438/.438 with three runs scored and a stolen base over 16 plate appearances; alas, the 39-year-old second baseman is not going to go well with up for Czechia this yr. As such, the one participant on the roster with massive league expertise is Terrin Vavra. Initially drafted by the Rockies in 2018, Vavra made his main league debut with the Orioles in 2022, however he by no means made it off the Triple-A shuttle. After a tough 2024 characterised by accidents and regression on the plate, he solely obtained one massive league plate look in 2025. Now a free agent, Vavra may earn himself a minor league cope with a powerful WBC efficiency.
Regardless of the shortage of massive league expertise on the roster, Czechia is bringing six gamers at present taking part in for faculties within the U.S., six gamers with previous expertise on the faculty stage, and three gamers on the roster who’ve previous expertise taking part in within the minors. Two of the present faculty gamers — Michal Kovala and Michal Šindelka — play for Chipola Faculty, a JUCO powerhouse identified for getting its gamers drafted. (Chipola alumni embrace José Bautista, Russell Martin, Patrick Corbin, and Adam Duvall.)
All informed, Czechia is unlikely to make a lot noise on this yr’s match, however given its underdog standing, any success this workforce does discover will make for an excellent feel-good story.
Uniforms In comparison with 2023? Downgrade
There’s no approach Workforce Czechia re-creates that photoshoot in entrance of a graffitied wall in Tokyo this time round, as a result of the 2026 uniforms are nowhere close to cool sufficient to drag it off.
Secondary Anthem: “Increase Up” by Petey Pablo
Of the 12 members of Workforce Czechia with faculty taking part in expertise, 5 of them wound up at a college in one of many Carolinas. That’s certainly a results of connections and networking inside the Czech baseball neighborhood, however I prefer to think about that folk from Czechia simply actually love Cook dinner Out and Cheerwine. Anyway, Petey Pablo devoted “Increase Up” to North Carolina, and now I’m dedicating it to Workforce Czechia.
Chinese language Taipei
In 2023, Chinese language Taipei went 2-2 in pool play, however did not advance to the Knockout stage, largely as a result of it allowed extra runs (31) than all however two different groups (China: 50, Nice Britain: 31). However solely two holdovers stay from 2023’s pitching employees. This yr, Chinese language Taipei has added Jo Hsi Hsu, “the ace of the [Chinese Professional Baseball League],” the place he pitched to a 2.05 ERA over 114 innings final yr. This coming season, the 25-year-old will take his 98-mph heater to NPB. The opposite thrilling newcomer to the employees is 20-year-old Wei-En Lin, who final yr climbed all the best way to Double-A in his first season pitching within the U.S. for the Athletics. Lin kilos the zone along with his fastball to arrange his finest pitch — a vulcan changeup that baffles hitters because it parachutes off the desk. A bit additional down the depth chart are Po-Yu Chen and Yu-Min Lin, who each pitched at Triple-A final yr, Chen for the Pirates and Lin for the Diamondbacks. Chen will get a ton of swing-and-miss with a 60-grade splitter that he instructions properly. Lin impresses along with his curveball and slider, however is proscribed by poor command.
The lineup is equally peppered with gamers within the excessive minors, and several other of the workforce’s high performers from 2023 are returning, as properly. First baseman Yu Chang, who performed in components of 5 main league seasons from 2019 to 2023, slashed .438/.500/.938 within the final WBC, whereas catcher Kungkuan Giljegiljaw and middle fielder Chih-Hsien Chen each topped the 1.000 OPS mark. Center infielders Kun-Yu Chiang and Tsung-Che Cheng each hit .333 at ages 22 and 21, respectively. Each will return older and wiser and with extra professional at-bats of their muscle reminiscence, with most of Cheng’s at-bats coming within the minors with the Pirates.
Chinese language Taipei’s different hitters at present within the minors embrace infielders Hao-Yu Lee and Jonathan Lengthy, together with outfielder Stuart Fairchild. Each Lee and Lengthy entered 2025 needing to show they may proceed to make laborious contact in opposition to greater velocity at Triple-A. Each handed the check, and at the moment are primed to contribute to their massive league golf equipment (the Tigers and the Cubs, respectively) ought to the chance come up in 2026. Fairchild has performed in components of 5 main league seasons, however after failing to essentially put it collectively on the plate, he enters 2026 on a minor league cope with the Guardians. Nonetheless, a workforce like Chinese language Taipei advantages from all the massive league expertise it could possibly get.
The 2026 workforce must be higher than the 2023 model, but it surely may not be sufficient to web any further wins within the match.
Uniforms In comparison with 2023? Improve
It’s not tremendous clear within the images, however the 2023 jerseys had a wierd sheen to them, and I simply assume we should always go away the satin look to males’s determine skaters. However I’m open to a workforce in the future proving me flawed on this level.
Secondary Anthem: “Pony” by Ginuwine
I’ve seen Chinese language Taipei pop up as a possible dark-horse workforce that would pull off an upset, so positive, let’s manifest it.