The World Baseball Classic is less than six weeks away, and more reports of players committing to the much-anticipated tournament are surfacing. Here’s the latest from around the world.
Puerto Rico – New York Yankees No. 3 prospect Elmer Rodríguez will pitch for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic.
“Representing my country in the Classic will be an unforgettable honor and a dream come true, a responsibility I will take on with humility, pride, and the commitment to always give my very best,” he said, according to Puerto Rico’s team account on X.
He had a 2.58 ERA in the minor leagues last season.
Israel – According to the Somerset Patriots, Yankees prospect Harrison Cohen will pitch for Israel in the World Baseball Classic. He had a 1.76 ERA between Double-A and Triple-A last season.
Canada – Adam Hall will pitch for Canada in the World Baseball Classic according to CTV News. Hall spent 2025 in the Milwaukee Brewers organization and is the only MLB player ever born in Bermuda. He had a .232/.321/.305 slash line with one home run, 21 RBIs, and 25 stolen bases last season.
Meanwhile, young New York Mets star Jonah Tong will not pitch for Canada. He is one of the best pitching prospects in the Mets organization, and not having him will be a huge blow. He made his MLB debut last season.
Dominican Republic – Nelson Cruz confirmed that Jose Ramírez will not play for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic. He is one of the best players in baseball, and not having him will be tough. However, the team is full of other superstars.
Bryan Bello will pitch for the Dominican Republic, according to MassLive’s Chris Cotillo. He is one of the Red Sox’s rotation members and had a solid campaign in 2025.
Mexico – Mexico will not have Marcelo Mayer for the World Baseball Classic, according to MassLive’s Chris Cotillo. He was hopeful to play, but insurance issues prevented him from doing so. He was one of the Boston Red Sox’s best prospects and made his debut last season. However, he underwent season-ending wrist surgery.
The Milwaukee Brewers confirmed that Joey Ortiz will play in the World Baseball Classic. He struggled offensively last season, but he has a great glove and can play both third base and shortstop. He is looking to bounce back offensively, and that could start at the World Baseball Classic.
Venezuela – Wilyer Abreu will play in the World Baseball Classic, while Willson Contreras is still pending confirmation, according to MassLive’s Chris Cotillo. Abreu is a two-time Gold Glover and hit 22 home runs last year.
Contreras is also a great power bat. The Red Sox acquired him from the St. Louis Cardinals this offseason.
The Milwaukee Brewers confirmed that 21-year-old superstar Jackson Chourio will play for Venezuela. He has posted a 20-20 season in both of his big league campaigns and is one of the brightest young players in the game. He is no stranger to big moments either. He is already tied for the most home runs in Brewers postseason history and has a 1.044 OPS in 12 postseason games.
Czechia – Orioles utilityman Terrin Vavra will play for Czechia in the World Baseball Classic. He spent most of last season in the minor leagues and had a .257/.349/.339.
Netherlands – Per his own Instagram account, Antwone Kelly confirmed he would pitch in the World Baseball Classic. He is in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization and had a 3.02 ERA in 25 starts last season.
Photo: Adam Hall, the only MLB player born in Bermuda, will play for Canada in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. (AP Photo/Vera Nieuwenhuis)
