As the 2026 World Baseball Classic approaches in one month, Israel has unveiled its 30-man roster, featuring standout Major League Baseball players including San Francisco Giants outfielder Harrison Bader. The tournament’s sixth edition will run from March 5 to March 17, with games hosted across Houston, Miami, Tokyo, and San Juan. Israel aims to build on its previous success after securing qualification by winning a game in the 2023 tournament.
Key Players and Coaching Staff Shaping Team Israel
Alongside Bader, team pitcher Dean Kremer, the first Israeli drafted by an MLB team in 2015, will take the mound. Newcomers to Team Israel’s pitching lineup include Tommy Kahnle, currently a free agent, and Matt Bowman, who recently signed a minor league deal with the Minnesota Twins. Bowman’s connection to Israel extends through his marriage to Eve Levin, daughter of Israeli-American businessman Jeremy Levin, a prominent figure known for his involvement in Zionist and progressive causes.
The team is led by Brad Ausmus, the New York Yankees bench coach, who managed Team Israel in previous competitions, including the 2013 WBC qualifiers. Assisting him are former big leaguers Kevin Youkilis, Mark Loretta, and Jason Marquis, filling coaching roles that bring experienced insight to the national squad. Notably absent this year is Joc Pederson, the Texas Rangers designated hitter and a past Team Israel player.
Eligibility and Composition of Team Israel
The World Baseball Classic permits players eligible for a country’s citizenship to represent that nation, regardless of their current citizenship status. For Team Israel, this often includes American Jews or those married to American Jews who qualify under Israel’s Law of Return. Despite his Jewish heritage, Chicago Cubs star Alex Bregman plays for the United States rather than Israel. This player eligibility rule enables Israel to assemble a competitive roster featuring talent from American Major League Baseball.
Simon Rosenbaum on Team Building and Fan Expectations
Simon Rosenbaum, a former Team Israel player now serving as general manager and director of baseball development for the Tampa Bay Rays, described assembling the team as a “rollercoaster ride.”
“We’re excited about the team we’ve been able to put together, especially because of how much more interest we’ve gotten from players talking to each other about their past experience playing with us,”
Rosenbaum added,
“We look forward to competing in a challenging pool and hope that we’re a team our fans can be proud of.”
Complete Roster for Team Israel in the 2026 World Baseball Classic
Israel’s full 30-player roster is as follows, with returning members marked by an asterisk:
Pitchers: Charlie Beilenson, Josh Blum, Matt Bowman, Harrison Cohen, Daniel Federman*, Jordan Geber, Tommy Kahnle, Rob Kaminsky*, Dean Kremer*, Max Lazar, Carlos Lequerica, Josh Mallitz, Eli Morgan, Ryan Prager, Ben Simon, Robert Stock*, Zack Weiss*
Infielders: Cole Carigg, Jake Gelof, Spencer Horwitz*, Assaf Lowengart*, Noah Mendlinger*, Matt Mervis*, Benjamin Rosengard, C.J. Stubbs*, Garrett Stubbs*
Outfielders: Harrison Bader, Troy Johnston, Zach Levenson, RJ Schreck
Team Israel’s Schedule and Competition Pool
Israel will compete in Pool D, with all games played in Miami following exhibition matches against the Miami Marlins and New York Mets. The preliminary round schedule includes:
- March 7 (7 p.m. ET): Israel vs. Venezuela
- March 8 (7 p.m. ET): Nicaragua vs. Israel
- March 9 (12 p.m. ET): Dominican Republic vs. Israel
- March 10 (7 p.m. ET): Israel vs. Netherlands
This challenging group features several baseball powerhouses, posing a rigorous test for Team Israel’s experience and depth.
Significance of Israel’s Participation and Future Outlook
Israel’s involvement in the World Baseball Classic highlights the growth of baseball within the country and the broader Jewish community’s connection to the sport. With players like Harrison Bader and Dean Kremer bringing Major League experience, the team hopes to advance beyond their previous performances and earn greater international recognition.
The 2026 World Baseball Classic serves as a pivotal opportunity to demonstrate Israel’s rising baseball influence amid a complex and often tense political backdrop. With a diverse roster and seasoned coaching staff, Team Israel is poised to compete vigorously while fostering national pride and inspiring new generations of players.
