The Orioles are going global this spring.
A total of ten players from the Orioles organization are set to represent their countries in next month’s World Baseball Classic, showcasing the depth and international reach of Baltimore’s system. Headlining the group is Gunnar Henderson, who committed to Team USA back in December during the Winter Meetings.
What position Henderson will play is still up in the air. With Bobby Witt Jr. also on the roster, Team USA manager Mark DeRosa has some lineup gymnastics ahead of him.
But that’s a good problem to have when you’re working with a roster this stacked. Expect to see players like Henderson moving around the diamond as DeRosa looks to maximize his infield talent.
Dean Kremer returns to Team Israel for his third straight WBC appearance. He’s become a mainstay for the squad, and his experience on the international stage will be invaluable. He won’t be the only Oriole in blue and white either-reliever Matt Bowman is also suiting up for Israel this time around.
Tyler O’Neill is taking his power north of the border to play for Team Canada, and he’ll be joined by left-handed reliever Micah Ashman, a minor leaguer in the Orioles’ system. Ashman isn’t the only prospect getting the call-Jose Espada and Rico Garcia are both heading to Team Puerto Rico, while Enrique Bradfield Jr., the O’s top pick in 2023 and currently their No. 4 overall prospect, will represent Team Panama.
Luis Vázquez, another infielder in the system, is also on Team Puerto Rico, adding even more Orioles flavor to that roster. Meanwhile, Ryan Long will pitch for Great Britain, and Naykel Cruz joins Team Cuba.
The full rosters were announced Thursday night on MLB Network, and they offered a preview of just how wide-reaching the Orioles’ talent pool has become.
Looking ahead to 2025, a few more Orioles-affiliated players are getting in on the WBC action. Tomoyuki Sugano, currently a free agent but expected to be part of the Orioles’ plans next season, is pitching for Team Japan. The Dominican Republic’s bullpen will feature a pair of Orioles arms in Seranthony Domínguez and Gregory Soto-both known for bringing high-octane stuff late in games.
Versatility is also on display. Ramón Urías will suit up for Mexico, Emmanuel Rivera for Puerto Rico, and Terrin Vavra-yes, that Terrin Vavra-will represent Czechia. Behind the plate, Chadwick Tromp will catch for the Netherlands.
Circle March 5 on your calendar-that’s when the World Baseball Classic officially kicks off, with the championship set for March 17 in Miami. But Orioles fans can get an early look at the action on March 3, when the team hosts Team Netherlands in Sarasota. That game will be especially notable with newly minted Hall of Famer Andruw Jones managing the Dutch squad.
The WBC is always a unique blend of national pride and high-level baseball, and this year, the Orioles will be right in the thick of it. Whether it’s young prospects getting their first taste of international competition or established big leaguers representing their countries on the biggest global stage, Baltimore’s fingerprints will be all over the tournament.