The rosters for all 20 teams competing in the MLB World Baseball Classic were announced on Thursday, setting the stage for top players around the globe to compete starting March 5 at the Tokyo Dome. This year, the action will feature numerous familiar names and emerging talents, including 18 players connected to the New York Mets organization, ranging from major leaguers to minor league prospects.
Notable Players Representing Their Nations
Several prominent figures are expected to shine in the tournament. Nolan McLean and Clay Holmes will compete for Team USA, while Juan Soto and Huascar Brazobán play for the Dominican Republic. Emerging Mets prospect Mark Vientos will represent Nicaragua. Cuba’s team features 21-year-old left-handed pitcher Daviel Hurtado, who showed strong performance last season with a 2.06 ERA in Rookie Ball and Low-A St. Lucie.
Israel’s squad includes minor leaguers Ben Simon, Robert Stock, Jordan Geber, and Josh Blum. Venezuela boasts Carlos Guzman, who entered the tournament after a career-best season, and former Mets lefty Johan Santana will contribute from the coaching staff. Mexico’s roster features Alex Carillo and Daniel Duarte, with Jared Young playing for Canada. Panama’s team will include outfielder Jose Ramos, while Jamdrick Cornelia pitches for the Netherlands. Italy’s team is strengthened by speedy outfield prospect Nick Morabito.
Star-Studded Teams Showcase Top MLB Talent
Major stars will be among the competitors, with Team USA led by captain Aaron Judge alongside Paul Skenes, Kyle Schwarber, Bobby Witt Jr., and Cal Raleigh. The Dominican Republic’s roster will feature Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Fernando Tatis Jr., and Sandy Alcantara. Japan’s team includes Shohei Ohtani, who will hit but not pitch, and Venezuela will be captained by Salvador Perez.
World Baseball Classic Tournament Structure and Venues
The opening rounds will be held across four stadiums: Tokyo Dome hosts Japan, Australia, Korea, Czechia, and Chinese Taipei; Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan is home to Puerto Rico, Cuba, Canada, Panama, and Colombia; Daikin Park in Houston hosts the United States, Mexico, Italy, Great Britain, and Brazil; and loanDepot park in Miami features Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, the Netherlands, Israel, and Nicaragua.
Each pool comprises five teams playing round-robin matches. The top two teams from each pool will progress to the quarterfinals, with tie-breaking procedures starting with head-to-head results, followed by runs allowed and scored, and if required, a drawing of lots. Teams advancing from Tokyo will move to Miami, while qualifiers from San Juan will continue in Houston. The semifinals and final will take place in Miami, with the championship game scheduled for March 17. FOX Media will stream all games.
Qualification and Player Insurance Concerns Cloud Final Preparations
The tournament maintains its high stakes beyond immediate competition, as the top four teams in each pool automatically qualify for the next edition of the World Baseball Classic. Teams finishing last in their pools will face relegation and must re-qualify for future tournaments.
However, concerns have arisen over player participation due to insurance issues. Francisco Lindor, slated to captain Team Puerto Rico, will not play after insurers refused coverage linked to a recent elbow procedure. Approximately ten players from Puerto Rico also faced denial of coverage.
“The situation has been nothing but confusing and it’s been kind of a problem for the players that are being denied to play just because of an insurance problem,”
Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas said on Foul Territory.
Rojas, turning 37 on February 24, was also denied insurance coverage despite his limited injury record since 2024 and plans to retire after the 2026 season. He noted his salary is modest relative to typical thresholds for insurance denial.
“I don’t think this tournament is going to go anywhere if they are going to continue to make it harder for players to go,”
he added.
The insurance restrictions, limiting coverage primarily to players under 37, have created tension and uncertainty among participants ahead of the Classic.
What the World Baseball Classic Means for Players and Fans
The MLB World Baseball Classic remains one of the most anticipated international baseball events, uniting elite athletes across continents to compete for global baseball supremacy. The release of the rosters confirms a powerful mix of seasoned MLB stars and promising prospects, ensuring competitive games throughout March. The insurance dispute, however, highlights ongoing challenges balancing player safety, career logistics, and tournament ambitions.
As teams prepare to battle in Tokyo, San Juan, Houston, and Miami, fans await a packed schedule filled with high stakes and intense matchups. The outcome in Miami on March 17 will not only crown a champion but also determine the future landscape of international professional baseball competition.
Mets prospect Daviel Hurtado is on the Team Cuba roster for the World Baseball Classic.
The 21-year-old posted a 2.74 ERA and 10.3 K/9 in 18 games (12 starts) between the FCL Mets and St. Lucie Mets last year.
He will be around No. 30 in my Mets 2026 prospect rankings.
— Mike Mayer (@mikemayer22) February 5, 2026
