Every World Baseball Classic 2023 team roster - which MLB stars will feature in the tournament?

Who will represent Team USA in the upcoming 2023 World Baseball Classic? Which MLB stars have been called up? Discover full rosters for each of the 20 teams participating in the tournament, with first pitch set for 8 March in Taichung.

22 minBy ZK Goh
GettyImages-655870820
(2017 Getty Images)

Following the official roster reveals, Olympics.com brings you the full list of team rosters for the upcoming 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC) that takes place from 8–21 March 2023.

Each team submitted a Final Roster of 30 players, including at least 14 pitchers and two catchers per team. Additionally, teams were allowed to name 10 pitchers to a Designated Pitcher Pool, and pitchers on this list may be called up to each team's 30-man active Final Roster to replace a fellow Designated Pitcher Pool pitcher at any point between rounds during the tournament. As such, some team rosters listed below include more than 30 names.

These rosters are correct as of 15 February 2023 and may not reflect later changes, such as injury withdrawals, replacements from the Designated Pitcher Pool, or other team transactions. Positions are listed according to how they are recorded on the MLB.com World Baseball Classic rosters, and not necessarily the players' regular positions.

Pool A (Taichung)

Chinese Taipei

  • Fifth WBC appearance (team has participated in every edition)
  • Last WBC appearance: 2017 (first round, 14th place)
  • Best WBC performance: Second round, 8th place (2013)
  • Notable MLB players on roster: Chang Yu-cheng (aka Yu Chang in the MLB; free agent)

Chinese Taipei is the host federation for Pool A, with games in Taichung. The team's coaching staff for the 2023 WBC includes former New York Yankees hurler Wang Chien-ming.

Manager: Lin Yueh-ping

  • Pitchers: Lee Chen-ch'ang (aka C.C. Lee), Sung Chia-hao, Hu Chih-wei, Tseng Jen-ho, Tseng Jyun-yue, Teng Kai-wei, Chen Kuan-wei, Chen Kuan-yu, Chiang Shao-ching, Chen Shih-peng, Huang Tzu-peng, Wang Wei-chung, Lu Yen-ching, Chen Yu-hsun
  • Catchers: Lin Dai-an, Giljegiljaw Kungkuan, Kao Yu-chieh
  • Infielders: Chiang Kun-yu, Fan Kuo-chen, Lin Li, Wu Nien-ting, Cheng Tsung-che, Lin Tzu-wei, Wang Wei-chen, Chang Yu-cheng (aka Yu Chang)
  • Outfielders: Chen Chen-wei, Chen Chieh-hsien, Cheng Chin, Wang Po-jung, Kuo Tien-hsin

Netherlands

  • Fifth WBC appearance (team has participated in every edition)
  • Last WBC appearance: 2017 (semi-finals, fourth place)
  • Best WBC performance: Semi-finals, fourth place (2013, 2017)
  • Notable MLB players on roster: Kenley Jansen (Los Angeles Dodgers), Chadwick Tromp (Atlanta Braves), Xander Bogaerts (San Diego Padres), Jonathan Schoop (Detroit Tigers), Andrelton Simmons, Jurickson Profar (both free agents)

The Dutch team features many players born in the Kingdom of the Netherlands' constituent countries of Aruba and Curaçao, which have a strong baseball heritage. The Netherlands team is the most successful European side in WBC history, having reached the semi-finals twice. Xander Bogaerts – who has just signed a mega-deal with the San Diego Padres – is the team's biggest name on the hitting front.

Manager: Hensley Meulens

  • Pitchers: Mike Bolsenbroek, Dennis Burgersdijk, Jiorgeny Casimiri, Tom de Blok, Aaron de Groot, Jaydenn Estanista, Dylan Farley, Wendell Floranus, Arij Fransen, Lars Huijer, Ryan Huntington, Kenley Jansen, Jair Jurrjens, Antwone Kelly, Kevin Kelly, Shairon Martis, Eric Méndez, Scott Prins, Pedro Strop, J.C. Sulbaran, Franklin van Gurp, Derek West
  • Catchers: Sicnarf Loopstok, Dashenko Ricardo, Chadwick Tromp
  • Infielders: Xander Bogaerts, Didi Gregorius, Dwayne Kemp, Richie Palacios, Juremi Profar, Jonathan Schoop, Sharlon Schoop, Andrelton Simmons, Zander Wiel
  • Outfielders: Wladimir Balentien, Roger Bernadina, Ray-Patrick Didder, Josh Palacios, Jurickson Profar

Cuba

  • Fifth WBC appearance (team has participated in every edition)
  • Last WBC appearance: 2017 (second round, 7th place)
  • Best WBC performance: Silver medallist (2006)
  • Current MLB players on roster: Yoán Moncada, Luis Robert (both Chicago White Sox)

The 2023 WBC marks a historic moment for Cuba, as for the first time, players based professionally in the United States have been included on a Cuban national team roster for the WBC – notably Major Leaguers Yoán Moncada and Luis Robert of the Chicago White Sox. Former MLB players Roenis Elías and Yoenis Céspedes are also on the roster.

Manager: Armando Johnson

  • Pitchers: Frank Álvarez, Ronald Bolaños, Naykel Cruz, Roenis Elías, Onelki Farcía, Elián Leyva, Raidel Martínez, Liván Moinelo, Yeudis Reyes, José Rodríguez, Yariel Rodríguez, Miguel Romero, Carlos Viera, Yoennis Yera
  • Catchers: Ariel Martínez, Andrys Pérez, Lorenzo Quintana
  • Infielders: Erisbel Arruebarrena, Dayán García, Yurisbel Gracial, Andy Ibáñez, Luis Mateo, Yadil Mujica, Yoán Moncada
  • Outfielders: Yoenis Céspedes, Alfredo Despaigne, Yadir Drake, Yoelkis Guibert, Luis Robert, Roel Santos

Italy

  • Fifth WBC appearance (team has participated in every edition)
  • Last WBC appearance: 2017 (first round, 12th place)
  • Best WBC performance: Second round, 7th place (2013)
  • Notable MLB players on roster: Matt Harvey (free agent), David Fletcher (Los Angeles Angels), Nicky Lopez and Vinnie Pasquantino (both Kansas City Royals)

Hall of Fame catcher Mike Piazza, who played for Italy in the 2006 WBC and was a coach for the team in 2009 and 2013, is the team's manager for the first time. As WBC rules allow teams to select players whose parents were born in a country, multiple Italian-American MLB players have been called up to the squad, including the Angels' David Fletcher, whose mother is Italian.

Manager: Mike Piazza

  • Pitchers: Vincenzo Aiello, Glenn Albanese Jr, Alex Bassani, Joe Biagini, Matteo Bocchi, Ryan Castellani, Tiago da Silva, Alessandro Ercolani, Nick Fanti, Matt Festa, Sam Gaviglio, Matt Harvey, Joe LaSorsa, Braxton Lorenzini, Joey Marciano, Brian Marconi, Vinny Nittoli, Andre Pallante, Jeffrey Pasantino, Nicolo Pinazzi, Claudio Scotti, Mitchell Stumpo, Vin Timpanelli, Michele Vassalotti, Stephen Woods Jr
  • Catchers: Vito Friscia, Alberto Mineo, Dominic Miroglio, Brett Sullivan
  • Infielders: David Fletcher, Robel García, Nicky Lopez, Miles Mastrobuoni, Vinnie Pasquantino, John Valente
  • Outfielders: Ben DeLuzio, Dominic Fletcher, Sal Frelick

Panama

  • Third WBC appearance (team missed 2013 and 2017)
  • Last WBC appearance: 2009 (first round, 15th place)
  • Best WBC performance: First round, 14th place (2006)
  • Notable MLB players on roster: Jaime Barría (Los Angeles Angels), Christian Bethancourt (Tampa Bay Rays)

Team Panama is the fifth seed in Pool A, having won the WBC Qualifier held on home soil in Panama City last October. It's the team's first appearance in the WBC in 14 years, and they will hope to avoid finishing last in the pool.

Manager: Luis Ortiz

  • Pitchers: Harold Araúz, Alberto Baldonado, Jaime Barría, Miguel Cienfuegos, Randall Delgado, Paolo Espino, Steven Fuentes, James González, Severino González, Javy Guerra, Alberto Guerrero, Matt Hardy, Justin Lawrence, Carlos Luna, Humberto Mejía, Andy Otero, Wilfredo Pereira, Davis Romero
  • Catchers: Erasmo Caballero, Iván Herrera
  • Infielders: Jonathan Araúz, Christian Bethancourt, José Caballero, Gerald Chin, Allen Córdoba, Edgar Muñoz, Rubén Tejada, Joshwan Wright
  • Outfielders: Luis Castillo, L.J. Jones, Rodrigo Orozco, José Ramos, Jahdiel Santamaría, Jhonny Santos

Pool B (Tokyo)

Japan – Team Samurai Japan WBC roster 2023

  • Fifth WBC appearance (team has participated in every edition)
  • Last WBC appearance: 2017 (semi-finals, bronze medallist)
  • Best WBC performance: Champions (2006, 2009)
  • Current MLB players on roster: Ohtani Shohei (Los Angeles Angels), Darvish Yu (San Diego Padres), Suzuki Seiya (Chicago Cubs), Lars Nootbar (St Louis Cardinals), Yoshida Masataka (Boston Red Sox)

As usual, Pool B host Japan is one of the strongest teams at the WBC – and the only team to have won the title twice. In addition to five Major Leaguers on its 2023 roster, the remainder of the Japanese team plays in its domestic Nippon Professional Baseball League, and includes players considered to have bright MLB future potential too. Notably, the 'Samurai Japan' includes an American-born player for the first time in Lars Nootbaar, whose mother is Japanese.

Ohtani Shohei: Countdown to the 2023 World Baseball Classic – latest updates on Japan and Angels superstar

Manager: Kuriyama Hideki

  • Two-way player: Ohtani Shohei
  • Pitchers: Darvish Yu, Kuribayashi Ryoji, Imanaga Shota, Itoh Hiromi, Matsui Yuki, Miyagi Hiroya, Ota Taisei, Sasaki Roki, Takahashi Hiroto, Takahashi Keiji, Togo Shosei, Udagawa Yuki, Yamamoto Yoshinobu, Yuasa Atsuki
  • Catchers: Kai Takuya, Nakamura Yuhei, Ohshiro Takumi
  • Infielders: Genda Sosuke, Maki Shugo, Murakami Munetaka, Nakano Takumu, Okamoto Kazuma, Shuto Ukyo, Suzuki Seiya, Yamada Tetsuto, Yamakawa Hotaka
  • Outfielders: Ondo Kensuke, Lars Nootbaar (aka Enokida Tatsuji in Japanese), Yoshida Masataka

Republic of Korea

  • Fifth WBC appearance (team has participated in every edition)
  • Last WBC appearance: 2017 (first round, 10th place)
  • Best WBC performance: Silver medallist (2009)
  • Current MLB players on roster: Tommy Edman (St Louis Cardinals), Kim Ha-seong (San Diego Padres)

There is more history being made here, as for the first time in a WBC, South Korea has also joined Japan in naming an American-born player with heritage to its roster. Nootbar's MLB teammate Tommy Edman, whose mother is of Korean descent, is one of two Major Leaguers on the South Korean team. As with Japan, South Korea's strong domestic baseball scene means every other player on the roster plays in the KBO League.

Manager: Lee Kang-chul

  • Pitchers: Go woo-suk, Gwak Been, Jeong Cheol-won, Jung Woo-young, Kim Kwang-hyun, Kim Won-jung, Kim Yun-sik, Ko Young-pyo, Koo Chang-mo, Lee Eui-lee, Lee Yong-chan, Park Se-woong, So Hyeong-jun, Won Tae-in, Yang Hyeon-jong
  • Catchers: Lee Ji-young, Yang Eui-ji
  • Infielders: Choi Jeong, Tommy Edman, Kang Baek-ho, Kim Ha-seong, Kim Hye-seong, Oh Ji-hwan, Park Byung-ho
  • Outfielders: Choi Ji-hoon, Kim Hyun-soo, Lee Jung-hoo, Na Sung-bum, Park Hae-min, Park Kun-woo

Australia

  • Fifth WBC appearance (team has participated in every edition)
  • Last WBC appearance: 2017 (first round, 9th place)
  • Best WBC performance: First round, 9th place (2017)
  • Current MLB players on roster: Aaron Whitefield (Los Angeles Angels)

The Australian roster includes the oldest player participating in the 2023 WBC, 45-year-old pitcher Chris Oxspring. However, Aussie baseball's biggest current star, Liam Hendriks of the Chicago White Sox, was ruled out indefinitely over the winter after being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a form of cancer.

Manager: David Nilsson

  • Pitchers: Tim Atherton, Matt Beattie, Liam Doolan, Kyle Glogoski, Josh Guyer, Sam Holland, Jon Kennedy, Tim Kennelly, Steve Kent, Daniel McGrath, Mitch Neunborn, Jack O'Loughlin, Chris Oxspring, Warwick Saupold, Will Sherriff, Josh Tols, Blake Townsend, Todd van Steensel, Luke Wilkins, Coen Wynne
  • Catchers: Ryan Battaglia, Alex Hall, Jordan McArdle, Robbie Perkins
  • Infielders: Jake Bowey, Jarryd Dale, Darryl George, Robbie Glendinning, Liam Spence, Logan Wade, Rixon Wingrove
  • Outfielders: Ulrich Bojarski, Andrew Campbell, Aaron Whitefield

People's Republic of China

  • Fifth WBC appearance (team has participated in every edition)
  • Last WBC appearance: 2017 (first round, 16th place)
  • Best WBC performance: First round, 11th place (2009)
  • No MLB players (or players with MLB experience) on 2023 roster

While the Chinese team does not include any MLB players, there are three foreign-based players in the side: Angels minor leaguer Alan Zhang Carter, KBO League pitcher Ju Kwon (Zhu Quan), and the Japanese-born former NPB outfielder Masago Yusuke.

Manager: Dean Treanor

  • Pitchers: Alan Carter, Gong Hai-cheng, Ju Kwon (aka Zhu Quan), Lin Qiang, Qi Xin, Su Changlong, Sun Hailong, Wang Weiyi, Wang Xiang, Wang Yuchen, Yi Jian, Zhang Hao, Zhao Fuyang, Zheng Chaoqun
  • Catchers: Chen Chen (not to be confused with the infielder), Li Ning, Li Yifan, Lu Yun
  • Infielders: Cao Jie, Ray Chang, Chen Chen (not to be confused with the catcher), Luan Chenchen, Kou Yongkang, Yang Jin
  • Outfielders: Han Xiao, Liang Pei, Liang Rongji, Luo Jinjun, Lyu Yuheng, Masago Yusuke

Czechia (Czech Republic)

  • Debut WBC appearance
  • 2023 WBC Qualifier performance: Runner-up in Qualifier 1, 3–1 record
  • Notable MLB players on roster: Eric Sogard (free agent)

The Czech team will make its WBC debut this year after clinching a surprise second place in the first WBC Qualifier back in September, beating hosts Germany and former WBC participants Spain along the way. Nine-year MLB veteran Eric Sogard – whose mother is Czech – is the only player on the team with Major League experience.

Manager: Pavel Chadim

  • Pitchers: Jeff Barto, Filip Čapka, Tomáš Duffek, Lukáš Ercoli, Lukáš Hlouch, Michal Kovala, David Mergans, Marek Minařík, Jan Novák, Daniel Padyšák, Ondřej Satoria, Martin Schneider, Jan Tomek, Boris Večerka, Marek Krejčiřík, Jake Rabinowitz
  • Catchers: Martin Červenka, Daniel Vavruša
  • Infielders: Willie Escala, Jakub Hajtmar, Jakub Kubica, Vojtěch Menšík, Milan Prokop, Filip Smola, Eric Sogard, Petr Zýma
  • Outfielders: Marek Chlup, Arnošt Dubový, Jakub Grepl, Marek Krejcirik, Matěj Menšík, Martin Mužík

Pool C (Phoenix)

United States of America – Team USA WBC roster 2023

  • Fifth WBC appearance (team has participated in every edition)
  • Last WBC appearance: 2017 (Defending champions)
  • Best WBC performance: Champions (2017)
  • Every player on the Team USA roster in 2023 plays in the Major Leagues, the only team for which this is the case. (The Dominican Republic roster in Pool D also only features MLB players, but includes two current free agents.)

Superstar Mike Trout captains Team USA, which can also count on one of the game's legendary hitters Ken Griffey Jr on the coaching staff. Team USA is the defending champion team, having won the title in 2017. Aside from Trout, major names on the roster include three-time National League Cy Young Award (best pitcher award) winner Clayton Kershaw, reigning National League Most Valuable Player award winner Paul Goldschmidt, and 2018 American League MVP Mookie Betts.

Manager: Mark DeRosa

  • Pitchers: Jason Adam, Daniel Bard, David Bednar, Kyle Freeland, Kendall Graveman, Merrill Kelly, Clayton Kershaw, Lance Lynn, Miles Mikolas, Adam Ottavino, Ryan Pressly, Brooks Raley, Brady Singer, Adam Wainwright, Devin Williams
  • Catchers: Kyle Higashioka, J.T. Realmuto, Will Smith
  • Infielders: Pete Alonso, Tim Anderson, Nolan Arenado, Paul Goldschmidt, Trea Turner, Bobby Witt Jr
  • Outfielders: Mookie Betts, Jeff McNeil, Cedric Mullins, Kyle Schwarber, Mike Trout, Kyle Tucker

Mexico

  • Fifth WBC appearance (team has participated in every edition)
  • Last WBC appearance: 2017 (first round, 13th place)
  • Best WBC performance: Second round, 6th place (2006)
  • Notable MLB players on roster: Giovanny Gallegos (St Louis Cardinals), Patrick Sandoval (Los Angeles Angels), Julio Urías (Los Angeles Dodgers), José Urquidy (Houston Astros), Taijuan Walker (Philadelphia Phillies), Alejandro Kirk (Toronto Blue Jays), Randy Arozarena (Tampa Bay Rays), Alex Verdugo (Boston Red Sox)

Team Mexico will look to make it to the semis for the first time in their WBC history with a team comprised of mostly U.S.-based players. The squad is a mixture of Mexican League (and MLB) players and American MLB players of Mexican descent, as well as 2021 American League Rookie of the Year award winner Randy Arozarena, who was born in Cuba but is a naturalised Mexican citizen.

Manager: Benji Gil

  • Pitchers: Erubiel Armenta, Javier Assad, Manny Barreda, Victor Castaneda, Luis Cessa, Jesús Cruz, Giovanny Gallegos, Felipe González, Adrián Martínez, Óliver Pérez, Roel Ramírez, Alan Rangel, Gerardo Reyes, Wilmer Rios, JoJo Romero, Jake Sánchez, Patrick Sandoval, Julio Urías, José Urquidy, César Vargas, Taijuan Walker, Samuel Zazueta
  • Catchers: Austin Barnes, Alejandro Kirk
  • Infielders: Jonathan Aranda, Joey Meneses, Isaac Paredes, Rowdy Tellez, Alan Trejo, Luis Urías, Roberto Valenzuela
  • Outfielders: Randy Arozarena, José Cardona, Jarren Duran, Alek Thomas, Alex Verdugo

Colombia

  • Second WBC appearance (team missed 2006, 2009, 2013)
  • Last WBC appearance: 2017 (first round, 11th place)
  • Best WBC performance: First round, 11th place (2017)
  • Notable MLB players on roster: Nabil Crismatt (San Diego Padres), José Quintana (New York Mets), Gio Urshela (Los Angeles Angels), Harold Ramírez (Tampa Bay Rays)

Perhaps surprisingly, Colombia only made its WBC debut in 2017, making this the team's second outing at a WBC tournament. Former Major Leaguer Jolbert Cabrera is the team's manager this year, and among his coaches are World Series champions Orlando Cabrera and Édgar Rentería.

Manager: Jolbert Cabrera

  • Pitchers: Elkin Alcalá, Adrián Almeida, Danis Correa, Nabil Crismatt, William Cuevas, Luis De Ávila, Luis Escobar, Santiago Flórez, Rubén Galindo, Pedro García, Río Gómez, Yapson Gómez, Tayron Guerrero, Jasier Herrera, Jeffry Niño, Carlos Ocampo, José Quintana, Jhon Romero, Reiver Sanmartín, Julio Teherán, José Torres, Ezequiel Zabaleta, Guillermo Zúñiga
  • Catchers: Jorge Alfaro, Gustavo Campero, Elías Díaz, Meibrys Viloria
  • Infielders: Jordan Díaz, Dayán Frías, Evan Mendoza, Fabián Pertuz, Adrián Sánchez, Donovan Solano, Giovanny Urshela
  • Outfielders: Oscar Mercado, Tito Polo, Harold Ramírez

Canada

  • Fifth WBC appearance (team has participated in every edition)
  • Last WBC appearance: 2017 (first round, 15th place)
  • Best WBC performance: First round, 9th place (2006)
  • Notable MLB players on roster: Nick Pivetta (Boston Red Sox), Cal Quantrill, Bo Naylor (both Cleveland Guardians), Freddie Freeman (Los Angeles Dodgers), Abraham Toro (Milwaukee Brewers), Tyler O'Neill (St Louis Cardinals)

Perhaps surprisingly, Canada has never made it past the first round at a WBC. Its 2023 ballclub is once more made up of a mixture of current and former Major Leaguers as well as a clutch of Minor League players, and is led by 2020 National League MVP Freddie Freeman.

Manager: Ernie Whitt

  • Pitchers: Andrew Albers, Philippe Aumont, John Axford, Matt Brash, Mitch Bratt, Trevor Brigden, Indigo Diaz, R.J. Freure, Adam Loewen, Scott Mathieson, Nick Pivetta, Cal Quantrill, Evan Rutckyj, Noah Skirrow, Cade Smith, Curtis Taylor, Rob Zastryzny
  • Catchers: Kellin Deglan, Bo Naylor, Andy Yerzy
  • Infielders: Freddie Freeman, Edouard Julien, Otto López, Damiano Palmegiani, Abraham Toro, Jared Young
  • Outfielders: Owen Caissie, Denzel Clarke, Tyler O'Neill, Jacob Robson

Great Britain

  • Debut WBC appearance
  • 2023 WBC Qualifier performance: Winner of Qualifier 1, 3–0 record
  • Current MLB players on roster: Ian Gibaut (Cincinnati Reds), Trayce Thompson (Los Angeles Dodgers)

Team GB will make their WBC debut in 2023 after winning their qualifying tournament in September. Their team is formed by a backbone of mostly American- and Bahamian-born players of British descent, and includes MLB.com's 49th-ranked prospect in all of the Minor Leagues, Harry Ford. Also on the team is Trayce Thompson, the Dodgers outfielder who is the younger brother of 2016 basketball Olympic champion Klay. However, the team's biggest star Jazz Chisholm – recently named cover athlete of the MLB The Show video game for 2023 – misses out as he is working his way back from an injury.

Manager: Drew Spencer

  • Pitchers: Donovan Benoit, Malik Binns, Richard Brereton, Daniel Cooper, Jake Esch, Chavez Fernander, Ian Gibaut, Gunnar Groen, Joseph King, Ryan Long, McKenzie Mills, Akeel Morris, Branden Noriega, Cam Opp, Michael Petersen, Chris Reed, Michael Roth, Andre Scrubb, Jack Seppings, Matteo Sollecito, Graham Spraker, Tahnaj Thomas, Tyler Viza, Alex Webb, Vance Worley
  • Catchers: Ural Forbes, Harry Ford
  • Infielders: Lucius Fox, B.J. Murray, Nick Ward, Justin Wylie
  • Outfielders: Alex Crosby, D'Shawn Knowles, Matt Koperniak, Andernee Seymour, Darnell Sweeney, Trayce Thompson, Chavez Young

Pool D (Miami)

This year's Pool D group is considered the toughest among the four first-round pools, with three teams – Puerto Rico, Venezuela, and Dominican Republic – selecting nearly all their players from the MLB, and only two spots on offer in the quarter-finals.

Puerto Rico

  • Fifth WBC appearance (team has participated in every edition)
  • Last WBC appearance: 2017 (silver medallist)
  • Best WBC performance: Silver medallist (2013, 2017)
  • Most of the Puerto Rican roster has MLB experience, with the exception of a few prospects. Much of the lineup are everyday starters in the MLB.

Losing finalists at the last two tournaments, Team PR looks to finally go one better and clinch the championship in 2023. This year, they are managed by legendary catcher Yadier Molina, who has just retired after a 19-year MLB career. However, the team's star power was reduced by the withdrawal of Carlos Correa for family (parental) reasons. Notably, Marcus Stroman – who represented and won the championship with Team USA in 2017 – has switched to Puerto Rico.

Manager: Yadier Molina

  • Pitchers: Jordan Bermudez, José Berríos, Alex Claudio, Fernando Cruz, José De León, Alexis Díaz, Edwin Díaz (not to be confused with the infielder), José Espada, Dominic Hamel, Jorge López, Anthony Maldonado, Jovani Morán, Nicholas Padilla, Emilio Pagán, Luis Queñones, Yacksel Ríos, Dereck Rodríguez, Héctor Santiago, Marcus Stroman, Duane Underwood Jr
  • Catchers: Martín Maldonado, MJ Melendez, Christian Vázquez
  • Infielders: Javier Báez, Edwin Díaz (not to be confused with the pitcher), Enrique Hernández, Francisco Lindor, Vimael Machín, José Miranda, Emmanuel Rivera, Neftalí Soto
  • Outfielders: Henry Ramos, Eddie Rosario, Nelson Velázquez

Venezuela

  • Fifth WBC appearance (team has participated in every edition)
  • Last WBC appearance: 2017 (Second round, 8th place)
  • Best WBC performance: Semi-finals, bronze medallist (2009)
  • Most of the Venezuelan roster has MLB experience. Much of the lineup are everyday starters in the MLB.

The 2017 American League MVP José Altuve, 2018 National League Rookie of the Year award winner Ronald Acuña Jr and 2015 World Series MVP Salvador Pérez are among the stand-out names on Team Venezuela this year, although nearly the entire team plays or has played in the MLB. The newest member of MLB's 3,000-hit club and likely future Hall of Famer Miguel Cabrera is also on the team.

Manager: Omar López

  • Pitchers: José Alvarado, Silvino Bracho, Endrys Briceño, Max Castillo, Jhoulys Chacín, Enmanuel De Jesús, Edwin Escobar, Luis García, Norwith Gudiño, Carlos Hernández, Darwinzon Hernández, Elieser Herneandez, Pablo López, Jesús Luzardo, Jhonathan Díaz, Andrés Machado, Germán Márquez, Martín Pérez, José Quijada, Eduwardo Rodríguez, José Ruiz, Ranger Suárez, Anthony Vizcaya
  • Catchers: Robinson Chirinos, Omar Narváez, Salvador Pérez
  • Infielders: José Altuve, Luis Arráez, Eduardo Escobar, Andrés Giménez, Luis Rengifo, Miguel Rojas, Eugenio Suárez, Gleyber Torres
  • Outfielders: Ronald Acuña Jr, David Peralta, Anthony Santander
  • Designated Hitter: Miguel Cabrera

Dominican Republic

  • Fifth WBC appearance (team has participated in every edition)
  • Last WBC appearance: 2017 (Second round, 5th place)
  • Best WBC performance: Champions (2013)
  • The entire Dominican Republic roster, with the exception of two free agents (Gary Sánchez and Robinson Canó), currently plays in Major League Baseball.

The third of the three heavyweights in Pool D is the DR team, which can count a wealth of MLB riches to call on including the current National League Cy Young Award winner Sandy Alcántara, reigning American League Rookie of the Year Julio Rodríguez (who was also part of the DR's bronze-medal team at the Olympic Games of Tokyo 2020 in 2021), and multiple All-Stars including Rafael Devers, Manny Machado, and Juan Soto. The team's General Manager is the 43-year-old Nelson Cruz – who has also picked himself for the team.

Manager: Rodney Linares

  • Pitchers: Bryan Abreu, Sandy Alcántara, Ronel Blanco, Génesis Cabrera, Diego Castillo, Roansy Contreras, Johnny Cueto, Enyel De Los Santos, Camilo Doval, Carlos Estévez, Jarlín García, Luis García, Yimi García, Cristian Javier, José Leclerc, Rafael Montero, Héctor Neris, Joel Payamps, Gregory Soto, César Valdez
  • Catchers: Francisco Mejía, Gary Sánchez
  • Infielders: Willy Adames, Robinson Canó, Nelson Cruz, Rafael Devers, Wander Franco, Vladimir Guerrero Jr, Manny Machado, Ketel Marte, Jeremy Peña, Jean Segura
  • Outfielders: Teoscar Hernández, Eloy Jiménez, Julio Rodríguez, Juan Soto

Israel

  • Second WBC appearance (team missed 2006, 2009, 2013)
  • Last WBC appearance: 2017 (Second round, 6th place)
  • Best WBC performance: Second round, 6th place (2017)
  • Notable MLB players on roster: Richard Bleier (Boston Red Sox), Dean Kremer (Baltimore Orioles), Alex Dickerson (Atlanta Braves), Joc Pederson (San Francisco Giants)

WBC rules allow anyone who would qualify for citizenship of a country to be named to the team's roster, even if they are not current citizens. Utilising this rule, Team Israel has selected multiple Jewish American MLB and Minor League players to the team as they look to make it out of a difficult pool and reach the second round again. A number of players who were on the Israeli team at Tokyo 2020 also return.

Manager: Ian Kinsler

  • Pitchers: Jake Bird, Richard Bleier, Daniel Federman, Jake Fishman, Brandon Gold, Colton Gordon, Andrew Gross, Jake Kalish, Rob Kaminsky, Alex Katz, Adam Kolarek, Evan Kravetz, Drean Kremer, Shlomo Lipetz, Jake Miednik, Kyle Molnar, Bubby Rossman, Jacob Steinmetz, Robert Stock, Joey Wagman, Josh Wolf, Zack Weiss
  • Catchers: Jakob Goldfarb, Ryan Lavarnway, Garrett Stubbs
  • Infielders: Zack Gelof, Spencer Horwitz, Ty Kelly, Assaf Lowengart, Noah Mendlinger, Matt Mervis, Danny Valencia, Michael Wielansky
  • Outfielders: Alex Dickerson, Joc Pederson

Nicaragua

  • Debut WBC appearance
  • 2023 WBC Qualifier performance: Runner-up in Qualifier 2, 3–1 record
  • Current MLB players on roster: Jonathan Loáisiga (New York Yankees), Erasmo Ramírez (Washington Nationals)

Yankees starting pitcher Jonathan Loáisiga is the main name on the Nicaraguan club looking to make a splash in its inaugural WBC appearance. He and Erasmo Ramírez will be relied on to carry the team's pitching, although making it out of this group appears an impossibility for the Nicaraguans who will simply hope not to finish last in the pool.

Manager: Sandor Guido

  • Pitchers: Joaquín Acuña, Leo Crawford, Fidencio Flores, Kevin Gadea, Osman Gutiérrez, Duque Hebbert, Jonathan Loáisiga, Ronald Medrano, Erasmo Ramírez, J.C. Ramírez, Roniel Raudes, Carlos Rodríguez, Carlos Teller, Junior Tellez, Rodney Theophile
  • Catchers: Rodolfo Bone, Melvin Novoa
  • Infielders: Benjamín Aledría, Alex Blandino, Cheslor Cuthbert, Steven Leyton, Iván Marín, Elían Miranda, Juan Montes, Milkar Pérez, Wuillians Vásquez
  • Outfielders: Isaac Benard, Sandy Bermúdez, Dwight Britton, Norlando Valle
More from