With baseball season underway, Minnesota Twins fans are gearing up for 2026 Spring Training and the upcoming World Baseball Classic. While many will cheer for Team USA, several players from the Twins are representing different nations in the tournament, offering fans a variety of teams to support.
A total of seven Minnesota Twins players will compete for six different countries during the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Here’s a detailed look at each player and their respective national teams.
Key Players Competing for Team USA
Byron Buxton, who is considered the franchise cornerstone for the Twins, is one of the most anticipated figures to watch in the Classic. Expected to be the starting center fielder for Team USA, Buxton has a reputation as one of baseball’s elite hitters and defensive stars. This tournament provides a platform for him to demonstrate his talent on an international stage.
Joining Buxton, Joe Ryan also earned a spot on Team USA’s pitching staff. Despite a rotation already full of talent, Ryan’s addition adds depth and excitement. After avoiding arbitration and making his first All-Star Game appearance, Ryan arrives with high expectations for the 2026 season.
Luis Quinones Set to Represent Puerto Rico
Luis Quinones, who signed a minor league deal with the Twins in December, will pitch for Team Puerto Rico. Quinones has faced challenges in recent years, including a suspension in 2020 for a PED violation and multiple injuries. However, his limited innings in Rookie Ball last season signal a possible turning point, and the World Baseball Classic may serve as a crucial opportunity for him to revive his career.
Pablo López Returns to Showcase for Venezuela
Coming off a difficult 2025 season marred by injury struggles, Pablo López will once again represent Team Venezuela. López showed flashes of his potential in the 2023 Classic, where he struck out six batters over 4.2 innings in a key victory against Puerto Rico. His presence in 2026 will be closely watched as he aims to regain his form.
Dan Altavilla Headlines Team Italy’s Pitching Staff
At age 33, Dan Altavilla had a notable comeback in 2025, posting a 2.48 ERA in 28 appearances with the Chicago White Sox. His performance earned him a contract with the Twins over the winter. Altavilla’s experience and recent success position him as a valuable bullpen asset for Team Italy in the Classic.
Taj Bradley Takes the Mound for Team Mexico
Taj Bradley, acquired by the Twins last year, is representing Team Mexico in the Classic. Although Bradley had a challenging 2025 season with mixed performances in his six starts, this tournament gives him the chance to demonstrate his growth and readiness. A strong showing could improve his chances of earning a starting role for Minnesota this season.
Matt Bowman Joins Team Israel for the World Stage
Matt Bowman, recently signed by the Twins, will compete for Team Israel. Returning to Minnesota after pitching five games with the team last season, Bowman has played for seven different franchises over the past seven years. Like Altavilla, Bowman hopes the Classic will provide a platform to sharpen his skills and contribute meaningfully to the Twins’ bullpen in 2026.
The involvement of these Minnesota Twins players across six different national teams highlights the international talent within the franchise. The 2026 World Baseball Classic not only offers a chance for players like Byron Buxton and Joe Ryan to build momentum before spring training but also allows others such as Luis Quinones and Taj Bradley to prove their potential on a big stage. Fans will be watching closely as these athletes represent both their countries and the Twins organization, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting season ahead.
