Inside the Orioles’ bullpen, the World Baseball Classic is a constant point of conversation. The mix of different nationalities contributes to trash-talking and joking about MLB’s international tournament that’s typically held every four years.
But it was starting pitcher Dean Kremer who became the first Orioles player to commit to the 2026 WBC. Kremer announced his decision to compete for Team Israel earlier this week on the Max Mannis podcast. The right-hander has appeared in two Classics previously, in 2017 and 2023.
“It’s something I’ve been doing for a long time, representing the country on the baseball field,” Kremer said. “Regardless of the world climate, in regards to the turmoil in the Middle East, I’m always proud to be wear the jersey.”
The sixth iteration of the tournament will be played across the globe, with the final round taking place in Miami, Florida. Japan is the reigning champion after defeating the United States, 3-2, in the 2023 finals.
Six Orioles played in the last tournament, which was one of the lowest marks in MLB. Only the New York Yankees, Texas Rangers and the San Francisco Giants had fewer participants. Center fielder Cedric Mullins played for the United States, outfielder Anthony Santander and left-hander Darwinzon Hernandez competed for Venezuela, right-hander Daniel Federman and Kremer pitched for Israel and right-hander Ryan Long competed for Great Britain.
Baltimore could have more participants in 2026. The Classic starts in March, and with the Orioles facing long odds to make the postseason, players will have an extended offseason. Other players are healthier and have emerged as legitimate contenders to compete for their nations.
Here’s which Orioles could make an appearance at the 2026 tournament.
Team USA
Shortstop Gunnar Henderson
Henderson is likely an obvious selection, given his production over the past three seasons and his positional flexibility. Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner have strong arguments, but Henderson has been one of the top players in baseball since 2023 and is still just 24 years old.
Even if he doesn’t start at shortstop, MLB Network projected him to be Team USA’s starting third baseman.
“Being able to represent the country, that’d be something I’d really love to do,” Henderson said.
Catcher Adley Rutschman
Before the season, Rutschman seemed like a lock for the USA’s roster. But with Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh emerging as an MVP candidate and Dodgers backstop Will Smith having a career season, the former No. 1 overall pick’s path to the WBC is more uncertain.
But Rutschman is a two-time All-Star and a strong defensive catcher. He was a popular pick amongst teammates to represent the Orioles.
First baseman Ryan O’Hearn and second baseman Jackson Holliday
O’Hearn made the All-Star Game and Holliday was at the top of the fan voting, so why couldn’t they make the WBC? It’s not impossible, but both have unlikely paths.
O’Hearn plays a loaded position, with stars like Pete Alonso, Matt Olson and Paul Goldschmidt manning first base. Holliday is still young, and entrenched stars tend to make the USA’s team.
Team Dominican Republic
Félix Bautista, Seranthony Domínguez and Gregory Soto
Baltimore could be most-represented by this team. The Dominican team is stacked with potential options, but the reliever trio of Félix Bautista, Gregory Soto and Seranthony Domínguez could all make the team.
All three said they would love to compete in the WBC and with each sprouting a sub-four ERA this season, there is a chance the trio all represents the Dominican Republic.
“We always talk about that. For me, it would be a dream to be able to pitch for them one day in the Classic,” Soto said through team interpreter Brandon Quinones.
MLB teams are allowed to block players from participating only under certain injury conditions. The Yankees blocked Luis Severino from participating in 2023. Bautista, who’s had injury issues the past two seasons, could potentially be prevented from playing.
Gary Sánchez
The Orioles catcher is out for eight to 10 weeks, but Sánchez was red-hot prior to injuring his right knee. Catcher is a weak spot in the Dominican Republic lineup, as Sánchez is one of the few MLB players.
He was selected to compete in 2017, but withdrew to attend Yankees spring training. He appeared in two games in the 2023 tournament.
Team Mexico
Ramón Urías
Urías said he told representatives from Team Mexico he was interested in playing for the nation when they approached him earlier this season in Arizona. Mexico has Houston Astros third-baseman Isaac Paredes entrenched at the hot corner, but Urías’s versatility makes him a strong candidate.
“I’d be so proud to represent Mexico. They did really well last time,” Urías said.
Team Japan
Tomoyuki Sugano
The reigning champions, Japan’s team is loaded with talent. The Orioles right-hander hasn’t represented his country at the Classic, but his strong rookie season presents him with a strong case. Sugano said Japan hasn’t reached out to him about the 2026 tournament and did not in 2023.
“There’s as much pressure on myself, so I got to really focus,” Sugano said through team interpreter Yuto Sakurai.
The right-hander joked that he would love to face Rutschman in the tournament. Sugano said his battery mate “knows me really well” so he’d have to craft a creative pitching plan.
Team Canada
Tyler O’Neill
O’Neill dominated at the last WBC, batting .615 with two doubles, four RBIs and five runs scored. He’s a shoo-in for Canada’s 2026 team and will likely start at outfield or designated hitter.
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