With the 2026 World Baseball Classic underway, the baseball world briefly shifts its focus beyond the Major League season.
For players remaining in spring training camps, this stretch offers a chance to secure roster spots while teams operate with temporarily thinner depth charts. But for those competing on the international stage, the tournament is something entirely different — a chance to represent their country and compete for one of baseball’s most unique prizes.
For the Toronto Blue Jays organization, the WBC showcases just how global the game has become. Players from across the system are scattered throughout the tournament, representing nations ranging from emerging baseball programs to the sport’s established powerhouses.
Not all teams enter the tournament with the same expectations. Some nations arrive simply hoping to make noise. Others carry the weight of championship expectations.
Blue Jays players are present in all three tiers.
Long Shots
Several Toronto prospects will gain valuable international experience with teams considered outsiders in the tournament.
Outfielder Ismael Munguia is expected to play a prominent role for Nicaragua, likely hitting near the top of their lineup while providing a blend of contact ability and occasional power.
Catcher Will Cresswell joins Great Britain as a backup option behind Washington Nationals prospect Harry Ford, who is projected to handle most of the catching duties.
Israel’s roster will feature Blue Jays outfielder RJ Schreck, currently ranked as Toronto’s No. 9 prospect. Schreck could emerge as one of the team’s most important offensive contributors and will share the roster with backup catcher CJ Stubbs.
Panama will rely on infielder Leo Jiménez at second base, while Cuban pitcher Yariel Rodríguez looks to regain momentum by delivering meaningful innings for his national team.
While these squads face long odds against deeper rosters, the WBC has a history of producing surprises.
Contenders
Some Blue Jays representatives find themselves on teams capable of making legitimate championship runs.
For Canada, pitching prospect Adam Macko could become an important arm on what many consider the strongest Canadian roster assembled for the tournament.
Veteran left-hander James Paxton has returned from retirement to represent his country, joining a roster filled with major league
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