2026 World Baseball Classic: Ohtani Won’t Pitch, Austin Wells Will Catch For DR, Heliot Ramos Will Play for PR

The World Baseball Classic is just over a month away, and the official rosters for all 20 teams are slated to be announced later this week. However, there is already information out on who will and will not be playing. As insurance issues take over headlines, here is the latest from around the world.

Japan – Some of the most important news of the last week is the fact that Shohei Ohtani will not pitch for Samurai Japan in the World Baseball Classic. According to ESPN’s Alden González it was Ohtani’s decision. The Dodgers are going for a third consecutive World Series title next season, and Ohtani likely wants to keep innings off his arm coming off a deep postseason run in his first year back on the mound after surgery.

Dominican Republic – Geraldo Perdomo, Ketel Marte and Camilo Doval will play in the World Baseball Classic, according to MLB.com’s Theo DeRosa. All three All-Stars are coming of solid seasons and will be great additions to an already stacked team.

Jeremy Peña will play for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic. Peña is one of the best shortstops in baseball and is coming off his first All-Star season.

The Dominican Republic also confirmed that Manny Machado will play for the Dominican Republic for the third time. Machado is a superstar in the hot corner and will be one of the best players on the team.

Austin Wells has been confirmed to be playing for the Dominican Republic. He will join Yanier Díaz as an option behind the dish for the Dominican Republic.

Mexico – Texas Rangers rookie Alejandro Osuna will play for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic, according to DS Sports. He played in 63 big league games last season and hit two home runs.

According to Benji Gil, there is a chance that Joey Meneses could be joining Mexico in the World Baseball Classic. Meneses was in Triple-A last season, hitting .265 with a .769 OPS. He hit four home runs in winter ball this season as well.

Puerto Rico – Puerto Rico’s roster won’t actually be clear until it is officially announced. The situation right now is very fluid, as many of their star players are dealing with an insurance holdup. In fact, the MLB Players Association and MLB are reportedly lobbying the WBC insurer to change some decisions, notably involving Francisco Lindor and Carlos Correa. Puerto Rico has considered withdrawing from the tournament as well.

While some stars wait for official word on insurance, Edwin Díaz has confirmed his participation. The star closer was injured in the last World Baseball Classic and missed the entire following season. However, the reigning National League Reliever of the Year is suiting up for his country again.

According to ElNuevoDia, Jovani Morán and Luis Quiñones received permission to pitch for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic. They were originally denied based on insurance. Morán was in the big leagues last season, and Quiñones pitched in rookie ball.

Heliot Ramos will play for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic. He was an All-Star in 2024 and hit 21 home runs last season. He is a great player and could be a major part of Puerto Rico’s success in the tournament, given that they could potentially be without some other stars.

Yankees reliever Fernando Cruz has received permission to pitch for Puerto Rico, per El Nuevo Dia. He had a 3.56 ERA in the big leagues last season in 49 outings.

Colombia – Colombia is also dealing with some stars being denied insurance. However, switch-hitting Guardians prospect Dayan Frias will be playing for Colombia. He had seven home runs and 20 stolen bases between Double-A and Triple-A last season.

Photo: Shohei Ohtani will play for Samurai Japan at the 2026 World Baseball Classic, but he won’t be pitching. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)