.png)
OTTAWA – Baseball Canada has announced Canada’s roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, following a roster reveal show for all 20 participating nations on MLB Network.
The roster features 21 players who are either current Major League players or have previous MLB playing experience.
Headlining the roster is 2024 MLB All-Star Josh Naylor of the Seattle Mariners, joined by two-time Gold Glove winner Tyler O’Neill. O’Neill will compete in his third consecutive World Baseball Classic, while Naylor returns for his second appearance, having previously represented Canada at the 2017 event. Josh will also be joined by his brother Bo Naylor, who played for Canada during the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
“This roster reflects the growth and strength of baseball in Canada,” said Manager Ernie Whitt. “Every opportunity to manage Team Canada at the World Baseball Classic is incredibly special, and I’m honoured to once again lead this group. There’s a competitive edge, experience, and pride throughout this roster, and we’re excited about the challenge ahead.”
Canada’s roster includes 14 players who competed in the most recent World Baseball Classic in 2023 including Phillippe Aumont, Owen Caissie, Denzel Clarke, Indigo Diaz, Edouard Julien, Otto Lopez, Bo Naylor, Tyler O’Neill, Cal Quantrill, Jacob Robson, Noah Skirrow, Abraham Toro, Jared Young, and Rob Zastryzny.
The roster also features a blend of new international faces and returning national team contributors. Logan Allen, Micah Ashman, Tyler Black, Matt Davidson, Liam Hicks, Carter Loewen, Adam Macko and Matt Wilkinson will each represent Canada for the first time in international competition, while Jordan Balazovic (2019 Pan Am Games), Eric Cerantola (2017 U-18, 2019 Pan Am Games), Adam Hall (2015 U-18), and Antoine Jean (2019 U-18) return to the program after previously representing Canada on the international stage.
Canada’s pitching staff is highlighted by the return of Jameson Taillon of the Chicago Cubs, who last represented Canada at the 2013 World Baseball Classic, along with 2019 MLB All-Star Michael Soroka of the Arizona Diamondbacks, who will make his World Baseball Classic debut in 2026. Veteran big leaguer Cal Quantrill is a returning pitcher from the 2023 World Baseball Classic while James Paxton will also join the team, coming out of retirement to pitch for Canada following a distinguished 11-year Major League career that concluded in 2024.
Former big leaguer Phillippe Aumont who has a wealth of international playing experience on his resume is coming out of retirement to pitch for Canada in his fourth World Baseball Classic, having previously appeared in the 2009, 2013, and 2023 tournaments.
Canada will once again be led by Ernie Whitt, who will guide the national team in a record sixth World Baseball Classic.
Joining Whitt on the coaching staff is 2006 American League MVP Justin Morneau, who will make his coaching debut with Team Canada after representing Canada as a player in the 2006, 2009, 2013, and 2017 World Baseball Classics. Returning from the 2023 coaching staff are Denis Boucher, Greg Hamilton, Russell Martin, and Paul Quantrill, while Stubby Clapp returns to the World Baseball Classic after previously playing for Canada in the 2006 and 2009 tournaments and serving as a coach during the 2013 event.
Canada will compete in Pool A, held in San Juan, Puerto Rico, with games scheduled against Colombia (March 7), Panama (March 8), Puerto Rico (March 10), and Cuba (March 11). The top two teams in Pool A will advance to the quarterfinal round in Houston, Texas.
Prior to the tournament, Canada will hold a training camp beginning March 2 in Dunedin, Florida, at the Toronto Blue Jays’ Player Development Complex. The camp will include exhibition games against the Toronto Blue Jays on March 3 and the Philadelphia Phillies on March 4.
For more information on the World Baseball Classic, please visit worldbaseballclassic.com
.png)
