The 2026 World Baseball Classic is quickly approaching, and more players are being confirmed as participants for their respective countries. Here’s the latest from around the world.
Cuba – Andy Pages confirmed he will not pitch in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, according to Pelota Cubana. He was a star for the Los Angeles Dodgers last season, hitting .272 with 27 home runs.
“I have a lot of things to improve, and I need to prepare for a long season. I have to focus on what’s most important.”
Additionally, Cuba confirmed 18 players for its team this year. Cuba still lacks significant MLB talent on its squad, and losing Pages is a major blow to their team. According to Cuban Baseball Digest, Andy Ibáñez and Daysbel Hernández, two more big leaguers, will also not be joining Cuba.
Italy – According to Philadelphia Phillies insider Ty Daubert, Rob Thomson stated that Aaron Nola will pitch for Italy in the World Baseball Classic. Nola was not on the team in 2023, but the veteran All-Star is a major piece for Italy.
Colombia – Veteran pitcher Jose Quintana has been named captain for Colombia. With 113 wins, he has the most wins of any Colombian-born pitcher in Major League Baseball history. The former All-Star had a 3.96 ERA last season and helped the Milwaukee Brewers win the most games of any team in baseball.
South Korea – Jung-hoo Lee was confirmed to be playing in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, according to The Chosun Daily.
“I will participate in the World Baseball Classic,” Lee said, per The Chosun Daily. “A decision was made around early January, but I couldn’t speak about it then due to a team event. I will do my best to bridge the gap between veterans and younger players in the national team. Representing the team is an honor, and I will strive to achieve good results in Tokyo.”
He had a .735 OPS last season and hit eight home runs for the San Francisco Giants. He spent seven seasons in the KBO before joining MLB in 2024.
Venezuela – Venezuela is starting to put together a great pitching staff, headlined by Pablo López. López was confirmed to be joining the team, according to insider Victor Boccone G. Germán Márquez, Antonio Senzatela, Keyder Montero, and Eduardo Rodríguez were also confirmed to be playing.
During his introductory press conference at Fenway Park, Ranger Suárez confirmed his interest in joining the team as well. The reported expectation is that he will be joining after he did not pitch in the 2023 tournament.
Chicago Cubs reliever Daniel Palencia will also be pitching for Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic. He had a 2.91 ERA and 61 strikeouts last season. He also picked up 22 saves for the Cubs, helping the team reach the postseason.
Photo: Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Andy Pages (44) catches a fly ball during Game 4 of baseball’s National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
