The World Baseball Classic is beginning this weekend, with the first set of games starting. If you miss baseball, this is set to be a great two weeks of high-level baseball with all the top MLB players.
United States — Odds-On Favorite
Team USA enters the 2026 Classic as the betting favorite and consensus top choice to win the title.
Why they’re favorites: An historically strong roster blending elite pitching and a powerful lineup, and the deep rotation gives them a real edge. The rotation was the problem in 2023, in 2026 it's their strong suit, lead by Paul Skenes, Logan Webb, and Tarik Skubal.
Key stars:
Aaron Judge: The American captain and one of the best power hitters in the world.
Paul Skenes: 2025 NL Cy Young winner anchoring the rotation, regarded as the second best pitcher in the MLB.
Tarik Skubal: Two-time Cy Young Award winner, the best pitcher on the planet, but he will only start 1 game before returning to Spring Training.
Bobby Witt Jr.: Emerging superstar and potential MVP candidate.
The US is out for revenge after the defeat in 2023.
Japan — The Defending Champions
Japan looks to add a fourth Classic title after winning the 2023 tournament, most memorably behind Shohei Ohtani.
Shohei Ohtani won’t pitch in 2026 but will be a central figure at the plate.
Top players:
Shohei Ohtani: The best player in the world
Yoshinobu Yamamoto Team ace leading the Japan rotation.
Seiya Suzuki, Masataka Yoshida: Key MLB bats in the lineup.
Japan always plays fundamentally sharp baseball and has deep international experience. They are the most decorated team in the WBC with 3 titles since the tournament began in 2006.
Dominican Republic — Offensive Powerhouse
The Dominican Republic is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous offensive clubs in the tournament.
Why they’re contenders: The lineup has star after star, giving them incredible run-scoring potential.
Just look at this lineup
Projected lineup:
Ketel Marte, Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr, Manny Machado, Julio Rodríguez, Fernando Tatis Jr, Junior Caminero, and Geraldo Perdomo
Pitching wise they add Sandy Alcántara and Luis Severino.
Other Contenders & Teams to Watch
Venezuela - Loaded lineup with MLB stars like Ronald Acuña Jr., Jackson Chourio, and Luis Arráez and their pitching staff has solid arms led by Ranger Suárez.
Mexico
Not a team anyone wants to play, they made a lot of noise in 2023 making it all the way to the semi finals and are led by Randy Arozarena, Alejandro Kirk, and Jarren Duran.
Biggest Storylines
Will the USA finally capture its second title? After 2017 and a runner-up finish in 2023, expectations are sky-high.
Japan’s pitching without Ohtani? How the Samurai balanced rotation plays out could determine their ability to repeat.
Dominican redemption - After an early exit in 2023, DR’s stacked lineup looks to return to form, with vengeance on the mind
Emerging talents - Which young up and coming MLB young star will be a hero for their country and make a name for themselves?
Whether you’re tuning in for the power bats of the Dominican Republic, the strategic mastery of Japan, or the star-studded machine that is Team USA, there’s something thrilling at every turn of the tournament. The 2026 World Baseball Classic promises to be one of the most exciting yet.