The full rosters have been revealed for the 2026 World Baseball Classic and the least we can say is that the American team will have quite a lineup.
Indeed, the United States sends perhaps the most talented roster it has ever constructed to an international tournament, with a starting rotation led by reigning Cy Young Award winners Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes, and an offensive role consisting of American League MVP Aaron Judge and finalist Cal Raleigh, among others.
After losing in the grand final of the Classic against Japan in 2023, the Americans must therefore be considered favorites for this edition of the tournament.
But they will not be alone, starting precisely with the Japanese. While not every player on the Japanese roster is as well known and Shohei Ohtani won’t be pitching this year, the roster is stacked with stars, with fifteen players from the 2023 championship team returning.
Japan’s pitching staff will be led by Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who will be supported by Baltimore Orioles right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano, Los Angeles Angels left-hander Yusei Kikuchi, and right-hander Hiromi Itoh, who is one of the best non-MLB pitchers in the world.
The Dominican Republic, for its part, does not leave its place either with names like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Juan Soto, Junior Caminero, Ketel Marte, Fernando Tatis Jr., Julio Rodriguez and Manny Machado among others.
The rotation will also be formidable, with Cristopher Sanchez, Sandy Alcantara, Brayan Bello and Luis Severino.
If we have to name another contender to prevent the United States from taking it all, Venezuela must be mentioned with Ronald Acuna Jr. in the spotlight. The latter will lead an outfield that is also composed of Jackson Chourio and Wilyer Abreu.
Captain Salvador Perez will also be a mainstay behind the plate, while on the mound, Pablo Lopez and Ranger Suarez will lead the starting rotation along with German Marquez and Eduardo Rodriguez.
For its part, Canada is not among the aspiring teams, but will still present a very interesting formation to follow, with among others three Quebecers in the infield.
