The 2026 World Baseball Classic is set to begin March 5, and nine current Los Angeles Dodgers players will feature in the tournament.
Current MLB players and minor leaguers make up the nine players, as most of the Dodgers’ roster opted not to play or had to abstain due to difficulties with their insurance. With all of the WBC rosters announced as of Thursday, here’s a look at all of the players in the Dodgers organization who will feature in the upcoming tournament.
Mar 21, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Japan designated hitter and closing pitcher Shohei Ohtani (16) and team Japan celebrate with the World Baseball Classic trophy after defeating the USA in the World Baseball Classic at LoanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-USA TODAY SportsEdwin Diaz, Puerto Rico
One of the Dodgers’ biggest signings from the offseason, Edwin Diaz will play for Puerto Rico in another WBC.
The closer also featured for Team Puerto Rico in 2017 and 2023. He has established himself as one of the best relief pitchers in the game, and had a 1.63 ERA through 62 appearances last season.
Diaz injured himself during a celebration at the 2023 tournament, though, so the Dodgers will hope he can remain healthy heading into the 2026 season.
Jake Gelof, Israel
Jake Gelof is the third baseman for High-A Great Lakes, and will feature for Team Israel in the upcoming WBC. His brother, Zack, is an infielder for the Athletics, and also represented Team Israel in 2023 — though he won’t play in the 2026 WBC.
Gelof had a .772 OPS in High-A last year, and the will look to continue progressing through the minors at just 23 years old.
Hyeseong Kim, Korea
Hyeseong Kim, coming off of a rookie season he deemed disappointing, will head straight into the WBC to prove himself with Team Korea.
The utility man broke onto the scene with the Dodgers in May, and will look to rediscover that form after struggling through the second half of the season.
Antonio Knowles, Great Britain
Antonio Knowles, 26, made his way up to Triple-A Oklahoma City last season and will represent Great Britain for the first time in the WBC.
He had a 3.05 ERA through 36 Double-A appearances last season before his promotion in August.
Shawndrick Oduber, Netherlands
Shawndrick Oduber is making his first appearance for the Netherlands in the WBC this year. The 21-year-old spent this past season between the ACL and Single-A, posting a 5.98 ERA through 49.2 innings pitched.
Shohei Ohtani, Japan
Shohei Ohtani is the first of two Japanese players to feature for the Dodgers on this list, and will be looking for his second WBC title this season.
The reigning MVP played a pivotal role in Team Japan’s win in the 2023 WBC, and will look to do this same this year.
Will Smith, USA
Will Smith will also feature in his second WBC, but will likely serve as the backup on Team USA behind Cal Raleigh.
Smith is chasing his first title, having come just short in 2023 against Japan.
Christian Suarez, Venezuela
Christian Suarez pitches for Double-A Tulsa, and will pitch for Team Venezuela in the coming tournament.
He had a solid 3.38 ERA with the Drillers last season, and struck out 65 batters in 64 innings pitched. The left-hander is part of the Designated Pitcher Pool, a reserve of up to six pitchers per federation that can be called up after the first round.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Japan
Yoshinobu Yamamoto also represented Team Japan in the last Classic, and will look to earn them a record fourth WBC title.
He is fresh off of a World Series championship and the World Series MVP award, and will look to carry his dominance onto the international stage.
Also represented at this WBC are Clayton Kershaw — who isn’t technically a Dodger anymore following his retirement — and third base coach Dino Ebel.
Who are you most excited to watch in the World Baseball Classic?
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