The 2026 World Baseball Classic is underway, and while more than a dozen current Toronto Blue Jays are representing their countries, several former Jays will also play important roles throughout the tournament.
From veteran pitchers to everyday infielders, these eight former Toronto players could have a significant impact as their teams chase international glory.
Yusei Kikuchi — Japan
One of the most recognizable former Blue Jays in the tournament is Yusei Kikuchi, who pitched in Toronto from 2022 to 2024 before being traded to Houston at the 2024 deadline.
Kikuchi rebounded nicely in 2025 with the Los Angeles Angels, posting:
- 3.99 ERA
- 174 strikeouts
- 178.1 innings
- 3.3 bWAR
He’ll make his WBC debut for Samurai Japan, joining a loaded rotation that includes Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the reigning World Series MVP.
Seranthony Domínguez — Dominican Republic
Domínguez played an important role in Toronto’s World Series run, posting a 3.00 ERA in 24 games after the trade deadline.
He also contributed in October, striking out 10 batters in 11.1 postseason innings.
Now a member of the Chicago White Sox, Domínguez will bring his swing-and-miss arsenal to Team Dominican Republic’s bullpen, which could be a key factor in the tournament.
Taijuan Walker — Mexico
Walker’s time in Toronto was brief — he joined the club at the trade deadline during the 2020 pandemic-shortened season.
Still, he helped the Jays reach the expanded playoffs that year.
Now pitching in the NL East for several seasons, Walker will represent Team Mexico, potentially throwing to Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk.
Mexico reached the 2023 WBC semifinals and hopes to replicate that success.
Matthew Boyd — United States
Boyd was originally drafted by the Blue Jays in 2013 before being traded to Detroit in the blockbuster deal that brought David Price to Toronto.
Over the past few seasons, Boyd has quietly become a reliable starter. In 2025 with the Chicago Cubs, he recorded:
- 3.21 ERA
- 179.2 innings
- 31 starts
He joins a talented Team USA roster, though questions remain about their pitching availability throughout the tournament.
Spencer Horwitz — Israel
Horwitz appeared in 112 games for the Blue Jays over two seasons and demonstrated strong plate discipline, posting:
- .355 OBP
- .783 OPS
He was later traded to Cleveland in the Andrés Giménez deal before being flipped to Pittsburgh.
For Team Israel, Horwitz should see significant playing time at first base, while also offering flexibility at second base.
Otto Lopez — Canada
One of the most intriguing storylines involves Otto Lopez, who was born in the Dominican Republic but raised in Montreal.
Lopez debuted with Toronto in 2021 before being claimed by the Miami Marlins, where he has developed into a productive everyday player.
Over the last two seasons he has produced:
- 6.1 bWAR
- .257/.308/.372 slash line
- 21 home runs
- 35 stolen bases
For Team Canada, Lopez is expected to be a key contributor in the infield.
Gio Urshela — Colombia
Urshela’s time with Toronto was brief — just 19 games in 2018.
But he later blossomed with the New York Yankees, hitting:
- .292
- .335 OBP
- .480 SLG
over three seasons.
Now 34, Urshela remains an important figure for Team Colombia, which is still searching for its first WBC victory.
Hyun-Jin Ryu — South Korea
Another familiar name for Blue Jays fans is Hyun-Jin Ryu, who left MLB after his contract with Toronto ended.
Since returning to Korea, the 39-year-old has pitched effectively for the Hanwha Eagles, throwing nearly 300 innings with a 3.57 ERA since 2024.
Ryu will anchor Team Korea’s rotation, and early tune-up outings suggest he’s still in strong form.
The World Baseball Classic is always filled with star power, but it’s also a chance for fans to reconnect with familiar faces.
For Blue Jays supporters, that means keeping an eye on former players scattered across the globe — many of whom could play major roles in determining who lifts the trophy in 2026.
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