Dean Kremer, one of the top arms available to Team Israel, has committed to pitch in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, according to CAA Sports on Instagram and X.
The Israeli-American right-hander will represent Israel for the second time after pitching in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. In that tournament, Kremer made a key start against Nicaragua, throwing four scoreless innings with four strikeouts while allowing just one hit. His performance helped Israel secure a 3-1 victory and clinch a berth in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Kremer is coming off the best season of his MLB career in 2025. He finished 11-10 with a 4.19 ERA across 171 2/3 innings, posting a career-high 2.6 fWAR. With that performance, Kremer once again projects as the ace of Israel’s pitching staff, giving the team a bona fide major league starter atop a rotation that is expected to feature several minor leaguers.
His commitment strengthens an Israel roster that has already secured several MLB players. Kremer joins Harrison Bader, Robert Stock and Garrett Stubbs as confirmed major leaguers set to suit up for Israel in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Israel will once again play its pool games in Miami. The team has been drawn into a challenging group that includes the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Nicaragua. After finishing 1-3 in the 2023 tournament, Israel will be aiming for a stronger showing this time around.
Pool play in Miami begins March 6. Israel will open its tournament March 7 against Venezuela. Its matchup the following day against Nicaragua could once again prove decisive, potentially determining which team earns an automatic berth in the next World Baseball Classic and which is forced to return to the qualification round.
Photo: Israel starting pitcher Dean Kremer (17) aims a pitch during the first inning of a World Baseball Classic game against Nicaragua, Sunday, March 12, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
