Judge, Ohtani, Soto Shine in World Baseball Classic Rosters
The World Baseball Classic has unveiled its rosters, showcasing an impressive lineup of players for the 2026 tournament. With 78 All-Stars and a total of 190 major leaguers from 20 participating teams, the event promises to feature immense talent across the board.
Key Players to Watch
Among the stars leading the rosters are iconic players such as Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, and Ronald Acuña Jr. This gathering marks a significant moment in baseball history, especially with the likes of Judge headlining Team USA.
Notable Absences
Despite the excitement, several prominent players are missing. Notably, Puerto Rico’s Francisco Lindor and Carlos Correa—a duo with a combined eight All-Star appearances—are absent due to issues with contract insurance tied to their injury histories. Additionally, Javier Baez was ruled ineligible after a positive test for marijuana during the last tournament in 2023.
Team USA’s Depth
Team USA, which fell to Japan in the 2023 finals, will boast one of its strongest-ever rosters. Judge will lead a lineup that features Cal Raleigh, Bobby Witt Jr., and Bryce Harper. A standout pitching staff that includes Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes enhances their chances for success.
International Competition
The competition will be fierce, with Japan and the Dominican Republic fielding remarkable teams. Japan will be without Ohtani as a pitcher, but he will contribute as the designated hitter. Instead, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Hiromi Itoh will lead Japan’s pitching staff.
The Dominican Republic’s roster showcases a powerful lineup led by future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols. Key players include Soto, Julio Rodriguez, and Fernando Tatis Jr., as well as a reinvigorated pitching staff featuring Cristopher Sanchez and Sandy Alcantara.
Other Challengers
- Venezuela: Despite Jose Altuve’s absence, the team includes Acuña, Eugenio Suárez, and Pablo López.
- Mexico: Profiled by childhood friends Alejandro Kirk and Jonathan Aranda, the team boasts Randy Arozarena.
- Netherlands: Managed by Andruw Jones, it features Xander Bogaerts and Jurickson Profar.
This tournament will also make history by featuring all four reigning MVPs—Judge and Ohtani—as well as the Cy Young Award winners, Skubal and Skenes. Their participation underscores the high stakes and prestige of this year’s event.
Conclusion
As the excitement builds for the World Baseball Classic, fans can expect thrilling matchups filled with exceptional talent. The absence of key players adds a layer of intrigue, making it a uniquely competitive tournament.
