Santo Domingo. – Right-handed pitcher Jameson Taillon confirmed his willingness to wear the Canada uniform in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, strengthening a rotation that seeks to make a leap in quality in the main national team baseball event.
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Taillon, who has been a stable piece in the Major Leagues, becomes one of the main figures of the Canadian pitching staff, which hopes to compete with greater solidity in the tournament that will begin in March.
Japan adds seven arms to its roster
Meanwhile, the current champion, Samurai Japan, continues to shape its squad for the title defense. Manager Hirokazu Ibata announced in Tokyo the inclusion of seven pitchers, including MLB pitchers Yusei Kikuchi, from the Angels, and Yuki Matsui, from the Padres.
Hiromi Ito (Nippon Ham Fighters), Kaima Taira (Seibu Lions), Atsuki Taneichi (Chiba Lotte Marines), Taisei Ota (Yomiuri Giants), and Daichi Ishii (Hanshin Tigers) complete the list.
The big question mark remains the use of Shohei Ohtani as a pitcher. Although he has already expressed his desire to be part of the roster, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts hinted that the Japanese star could limit his participation to the role of hitter, at least initially.
Ohtani was the 2023 Classic MVP, when he batted .435 with an OPS of 1.345 and finished with a 2-0 record and an ERA of 1.86, closing the final against the United States with a strikeout of Mike Trout.
Harper will wear the colors of the USA again.
In another impactful announcement, Bryce Harper announced that he plans to join the United States team for the 2026 Classic. The Phillies outfielder, who had already represented his country in minor categories, expressed his enthusiasm on social media to play again with the American uniform.
Harper missed the 2023 edition after undergoing elbow surgery, but now arrives after a campaign of 27 home runs and an OPS of .844. If his participation materializes, he would join a squad that will feature figures like Aaron Judge, Kyle Schwarber and the 2025 Cy Young winners Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes.
The United States will debut in Group B on March 6 in Houston against Brazil, at the start of its path to the world title.
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