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An overview of the confirmed names for Team Canada at the World Baseball Classic
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Photo credit: Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
Nick Prasad
Jan 7, 2026, 19:00 ESTUpdated: Jan 7, 2026, 15:35 EST
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As the new year seeps in, the World Baseball Classic approaches quickly. As players are consistently announced to their respective country rosters, Team Canada continues to gain attention. This may be the strongest team they will have fielded in years. 
Canada will play in a decently tough pool in the 2026 WBC. They’ll compete with Puerto Rico, who are considered the favourite to win the pool, with Cuba, Panama, and Colombia rounding out the grouping. Canada catches somewhat of a break, not being in the same pool as the United States, Japan, or the Dominican Republic, which are all powerhouse nations expected to go deep into the tournament.
We all remember the first initial WBC tournaments, where Canada employed some phenomenal names: Jason Bay, Corey Koskie, Matt Stairs, Brett Lawrie, Russell Martin, Justin Morneau, Pete Orr, and Joey Votto.
This was the pride of the flag when it came to professional baseball. That roster was the previous generation of Canadian baseball. We’ve now entered a new generation, a bold generation. One that collectively can compete and stand with the “big dogs”. 

Team Canada’s World Baseball Classic roster so far

Let’s start with first baseman Josh Naylor; this would easily be Canada’s captain. The Major League talent has shown his reliable and productive colour across the league, from the Cleveland Guardians to the Arizona Diamondbacks. He’s now the guy in Seattle after quite the postseason run in 2025. Bo Naylor is his catching brother, who still plays for the Guardians and is in his fourth Major League season. Both Naylor’s bring MLB experience and overall contribution to the nation’s team. 
Outfielder Denzel Clarke is also listed as a confirmed player, which is a huge win for the team. His defensive and offensive abilities bring a real advantage to the overall lineup. Also involved in the outfield is one of the strongest offensive Canadian talents, Owen Caissie, who is hearing his name brought up in trade discussions at the moment. Edouard Julien, Tyler O’Neill, Abraham Toro, and Otto Lopez are also projected to be named to the roster, with all four boasting WBC experience. 
On the pitching end, Michael Soroka has been confirmed, and he’s projected to be one of the starters alongside Jameson Taillon, who committed to playing for Team Canada earlier today. Cal Quantrill, Matt Brash, and Rob Zastryzny are also a go, as well as recently retired James Paxton and longtime national rep Phillippe Aumont. 
The Canadian bench appears to have a few confirmed names in Jared Young and Trei Cruz.

The wish list 

Right-handed pitcher Jonah Tong still awaits confirmation and possible approval from the New York Mets after making his big league debut last year. Former Blue Jays and Phillies closer Jordan Romano awaits the same fate, along with Nick Pivetta. The same goes for Mitch Bratt, who started against Team USA at the 2023 WBC. He was traded at the deadline to the Arizona Diamondbacks, and could opt to stay in spring training as he fights for a spot on the Opening Day roster. There is also a chance that Romano decides to suit up with Team Italy, who he was going to represent in 2023 before opting out of the tournament.
Canada’s relief corps could get a boost if Cade Smith and Erik Sabrowski decide to go, although Smith is coming off a ton of innings over the past two seasons and Sabrowski has some recent injury history that might keep him from suiting up. 
The other question mark is Canada’s slugger, Freddie Freeman. His overall health and approval from the Dodgers will keep his name in the pending box for now. If healthy, he will be joining the team. 
Other notable names who could be featured but aren’t listed as confirmed participants yet are:
  • Liam Hicks (C)
  • Tyler Black (1B)
  • Tristan Peters (OF)
  • Logan Allen (P)
  • Curtis Taylor (P)
  • Rowan Wick (P)
  • Adam Macko (P)
  • Jordan Balazovic (P)
  • Eric Cerantola (P)

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