As the World Baseball Classic gets closer, more players are being announced as participants for their countries. Here is the latest on players committed to the World Baseball Classic.
United States
The United States announced three major pitching additions to its squad on Wednesday. Joe Ryan of the Minnesota Twins and two pitchers for the New York Mets, Clay Holmes and Nolan McLean, have joined the team. Ryan was an All-Star in 2025 while McLean made his MLB debut. McLean is seen as a great pitching prospect and will have high leverage opportunities on a huge stage. The other Met, Holmes, is a former All-Star reliever in the bullpen, so he could thrive in a relief role once again. He was a starter for the Mets last season.
World, meet Nolan McLean.
The rookie will pitch for Team USA at the World Baseball Classic! ?? pic.twitter.com/VOJBbD3fy1
— USA Baseball (@USABaseball) December 17, 2025
Dominican Republic
Catcher Webster Rivas told Juanfrank Kranwinkel of La UCA Deportes that he will be playing for the Dominican Republic at the World Baseball Classic. Rivas last played in the big leagues in 2021, but has continued to play in winter and international leagues. He will likely be the backup for Yanier Díaz.
CONFIRMADO: el receptor Webster Rivas se une al equipo dominicano que va para el Clásico Mundial de Béisbol ?? @weby_08 #thegamechanger #mlb #beisbol #lidom #republicadominicana #clasicomundial @hgomez27 @Shawn_Spradling pic.twitter.com/EUmZt4nCM0
— Juanfrank Kranwinkel (@juanfrank24) December 17, 2025
Nicaragua
Freddy Zamora is 26 years old and played for the Milwaukee Brewers Triple-A affiliate, the Nashville Sounds, last season. The shortstop slashed .257/.353/.348 last season and according to 8 Depotivo, will be joining Nicaragua. He played for Nicaragua in the 2025 World Baseball Qualifiers and had two RBIs across three games.
El SS AAA de los Milwaukee Brewers Freddy Zamora estará con Nicaragua en el Clásico Mundial de Beisbol 2026.
Zamora bateó para .257 en 104 juegos en AAA con Nashville Sounds. Desde ya el infielder capitalino está entrenando en Miami para esa gran oportunidad. pic.twitter.com/iMFoBPCxqi
— 8DeportivoTN8 (@8DeportivoTN8) December 17, 2025
WBN WBC: https://worldbaseball.com/league/wbc/
Photo: New York Mets starting pitcher Nolan McLean throws against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning of a baseball game in Chicago, Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
