Image courtesy of © Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Since its inception in 2006, the World Baseball Classic has been one of my favorite events. Much like college baseball, it gives fans an exhilarating alternative to traditional MLB action, and it offers unique opportunities for some players who will never play in the American majors. Believe it or not, there are a few Twins who will probably be extended an invitation to participate in the 2026 WBC.
Arms that can throw multiple innings are worth their weight in gold when it comes to off-season, tournament-style baseball. There are some notable injuries to the United States starting pitching pool (Zack Wheeler and Gerrit Cole certainly won’t be suiting up, for instance) that I think will leave a window of opportunity for Joe Ryan to represent his country again, but this time in the World Baseball Classic. (For those who don’t remember, Ryan pitched for the U.S. during the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, winning a silver medal.)
With Paul Skenes already penciled in as the ace, Team USA’s best options thereafter are Tarik Skubal, Garrett Crochet, Hunter Brown, Max Fried and Bryan Woo. In my eyes, the remaining names become a bit more of a toss-up, with Nick Pivetta, Andrew Abbott, and Nathan Eovaldi among a large group. Usually, there is a solid grouping of arms that just want to prepare for the grind of 162 games and elect not to participate in the WBC, so we could see Ryan get a well-deserved invitation.
Next, we have Pablo López. He has proudly represented Team Venezuela in the past, with Twins legend Johan Santana also representing his country as the pitching coach. López is in position to be a staple on his national team. However, with three different injuries having broken up his 2025 campaign, López might need to focus on getting his body in a good place for the grind of the long season ahead. I would imagine he will get the invitation, at least, and whether he takes it will give us an early indication on his health heading into 2026.
Lastly, Byron Buxton should have an opportunity to represent his country this spring. Pete Crow-Armstrong was the only American center fielder to record a higher WAR in 2025, and he had 31 more games in which to do so. This comes down to his health and his desire to represent. In terms of talent and production in the outfield, I want to see Corbin Carroll in left field, Aaron Judge in right field and Minnesota’s Buxton holding it down in center.
Regardless of how the roster shakes out, I can’t wait for the WBC. The event always delivers, showcasing some of the game’s best talents—and it produces some playoff-esque baseball. We will certainly see some Minnesota Twins represent their country to varying levels, and I will be sitting front and center to take in the action.