DETROIT, Mich. (WNEM) – The World Baseball Classic, billed as the world’s largest international baseball tournament, begins tonight, and players with ties to the Detroit Tigers, Great Lakes Loons and Central Michigan University will all compete to bring the trophy home to their countries of origin.
The WBC is a global, MLB‑backed tournament featuring national teams from around the world. Clubs are divided into pools for round‑robin play, with the top teams advancing to a knockout bracket that culminates in a single‑elimination championship game. The event, typically held every four years, is the highest‑profile international competition in baseball, often featuring many of the sport’s biggest stars playing for their home countries or countries of heritage.
United States
Tigers left‑hander Tarik Skubal is set to make his WBC debut for Team USA. He is slated to start against Great Britain on Saturday, March 7, in Houston, according to Maria Guardado of MLB.com. Skubal is coming off back-to-back Cy Young Awards, solidifying himself as one of the best pitchers in the sport.
Joining Skubal on the U.S. contingent is Tigers first base coach George Lombard, who will serve as a first base coach for the Americans during the tournament.
Venezuela
The Tigers will be well‑represented on Venezuela’s roster.
Left‑hander Emmanuel De Jesús and right-hander Keider Montero are expected to make their WBC debuts on the mound. Tigers’ infielder Gleyber Torres will play in the infield for Venezuela in his second WBC appearance.
Tigers legend Miguel Cabrera, a two‑time American League MVP and member of the 3,000‑hit, 500‑home run club, will return to the WBC as a hitting coach for Venezuela after retiring from his playing career in MLB. Cabrera has been a central figure for Venezuela in previous tournaments and is widely regarded as one of the greatest right‑handed hitters of his generation.
South Korea
Tigers Minor League right‑hander Woo‑Suk Go will pitch in his second WBC for South Korea. Go, who has spent recent seasons in the Tigers’ system, will bolster a pitching staff that traditionally leans on power arms and strong bullpen depth.
Infielder/outfielder Jamai Jones will also play in his first WBC, representing his mother’s home country. Jones, who has appeared in the majors with multiple organizations and spent time in the Tigers’ system, adds defensive versatility and athleticism to South Korea’s roster.
Chinese Taipei
Tigers No. 6 prospect Hao‑Yu Lee is set to make his WBC debut for Chinese Taipei. Lee, an infielder acquired by Detroit in a trade with the Philadelphia Phillies, is known for his advanced bat‑to‑ball skills and on‑base ability at a young age.
Netherlands
New Tigers reliever and former Great Lakes Loon Kenley Jansen will compete in his third World Baseball Classic for the Netherlands. Jansen is uniquely notable in WBC history as the only player to both catch and pitch for the same national team. He caught for the Dutch squad in 2009 before converting full time to the mound, then returned as a pitcher in 2017 and again in 2026.
A four‑time All‑Star and longtime MLB closer, Jansen brings postseason experience and a track record of late‑inning success to the Dutch bullpen.
Israel
Former Tigers manager Brad Ausmus will manage Team Israel for the second time in his career. Ausmus first managed Israel in the 2013 WBC qualifiers and later served as a coach during the 2017 tournament. A former big-league catcher and 18‑year MLB veteran, he managed the Tigers from 2014–17 and later managed the Los Angeles Angels.
Colombia
Great Lakes Loons manager Jair Fernández will serve as a hitting coach for Colombia in his second WBC. He previously worked on Colombia’s staff in the 2023 tournament as a base coach. A former catcher in the Twins and Mariners organizations and now a rising Minor League manager, Fernández brings both player development experience and recent dugout leadership to Colombia’s staff.
Italy
Central Michigan University alumnus and current Miami Marlins outfielder Jakob Marsee is set to compete for Italy. Marsee, who starred for the Chippewas before turning pro, has built a reputation for plate discipline and defensive versatility and will add depth to Italy’s outfield as the program continues to grow its presence on the international stage.
The World Baseball Classic begins Wednesday March 4 when Chinese Taipei takes on Australia at 10:00 p.m. Team USA begins their tournament journey Friday March 6 at 8 p.m. against Brazil.
You can view the whole schedule by clicking here.
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