Cal Raleigh leads Team USA in 2026 World Baseball Classic

News

United States' Roman Anthony, right, celebrates his two-run home run against the San Francisco Giants with United States' Cal Raleigh (29) during the sixth inning of an exhibition baseball game Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in Scottsdale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Photo: Associated Press

HOUSTON, TX (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The 2026 World Baseball Classic kicks off on Wednesday, March 4 and 16 Seattle Mariners are participating in the international tournament.

Cal Raleigh and pitcher Gabe Speier will look to lead the U.S. team to a second title after losing the last WBC final (2023) to perennial powerhouse Japan.

Julio Rodriguez is playing for a strong Dominican Republic team, while Randy Arozarena and closer Andrés Muñoz will take the field for Mexico.

First baseman Josh Naylor signed a big five-year deal with the Mariners this off season after helping lead the team to the ALCS. He’s been named captain of team Canada and will play along with his brother Bo Naylor on a team looking to make some noise in the tournament for the first time.

Eduard Bazardo endeared himself to Seattle fans down the stretch last season and will look to do the same for fans back in Venezuela.

If you’re looking for an underdog to root on, look no further than Italy. The Italian team features a couple current M’s players; Dominic Canzone and Miles Mastrobuoni.

There are also a handful of Mariners prospects playing for teams including Colombia, Brazil, Panama, South Korea, Netherlands and Israel.

The World Baseball Classic runs through March 17. Team USA plays their first game against Brazil on Friday, March 6 at 5 p.m.

You can watch all the games on FOX, FS1 and FS2.

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