Aroldis Chapman Confirms Interest in Playing at 2026 WBC

Cuban left-hander Aroldis Chapman, one of the most dominant relievers from Cuba to play in the MLB and a member of Cuba’s 2009 World Baseball Classic team before defecting later that year, has confirmed interest in participating in the 2026 WBC — but this time, potentially for a different country.

In an interview with SwingCompleto, Chapman revealed that both Great Britain and the United States have reached out to gauge his interest in joining their rosters for the next edition of the tournament.

Speaking about Great Britain, Chapman said:

“I didn’t give them 100% of whether I’ll be able to play. Remember that I’m going to be a free agent next season, and I don’t know what’s going to happen. But I told them that I am available to be within the roster and that, before giving the definitive yes that I am going to play, I need to wait for my next season to come out in the Free Agency.”

As for Team USA, Chapman added:

“I was also contacted by the United States team. Although it was only to know if I was available to play with them if they invited me. It was not official.”

Chapman, a U.S. citizen, is eligible to represent the United States under WBC guidelines. His eligibility for Great Britain is more unexpected. Though he appeared on Great Britain’s 50-man preliminary roster for the 2023 tournament, the team never contacted him directly at the time. However, his paternal grandparents emigrated from Jamaica — then a British colony — to Cuba, making him eligible to represent Great Britain in international competition.

If Chapman does suit up for Great Britain, it would be a major boost to the team’s bullpen. The British squad is expected to field several top position player prospects in 2026, but pitching remains a question mark. A proven closer like Chapman would add critical experience and firepower to a team aiming to make a surprise run to the quarterfinals.

Now 37, Chapman is in the midst of a resurgent 2025 season, with 39 strikeouts in 29 innings, 12 saves, and a stellar 1.55 ERA. His ERA+ stands at an elite 268, with a FIP of 2.21, marking his best season since 2018 by several metrics. While his free-agent status in 2026 could complicate any WBC commitment, his presence would be a big get for one of the underdogs in the tournament.