The 2026 World Baseball Classic is right around the corner, and the Chicago Cubs are making their presence felt on the global stage. With rosters now finalized, Cubs fans have plenty of reasons to tune in - from rising stars to seasoned veterans, the North Side is well-represented across multiple national teams.
Headlining Team USA’s roster are two names Cubs fans will be watching closely: Pete Crow-Armstrong and Alex Bregman. One is the franchise’s young centerfield cornerstone, the other a newly acquired veteran with October pedigree.
But they’re far from the only Cubs making noise in this year’s tournament. Let’s break down every Cubs player heading to the WBC - ranked by potential impact - and what their participation could mean for the club heading into 2026.
13. Erian Rodriguez - Panama
Rodriguez might not be a household name just yet, but the right-hander has quietly put together some solid work in the minors. Drafted in 2021, he hasn’t cracked Triple-A yet, but his 3.19 ERA over 18 starts with the Tennessee Smokies in 2025 turned some heads.
He’s Rule 5 eligible, so this WBC stint could be a showcase for other teams as much as it is for Panama.
12. Yacksel Ríos - Puerto Rico
Ríos is a recent minor-league addition for the Cubs, and while his WBC appearance is a nice nod to his experience, it likely won’t do much to boost his Opening Day odds. Still, anytime a pitcher gets competitive innings in February and March, there’s value - even if the road to Wrigley is a long one.
11. BJ Murray - Great Britain
Once viewed as a potential power bat at third base, Murray’s path has hit a few speed bumps. After struggling in Triple-A late in 2024, he spent all of 2025 back in Double-A, where he posted a strong 138 wRC+.
He’s still got some pop, but the WBC will be a big test of whether his bat can play against top-tier arms.
10. Christian Bethancourt - Panama
Bethancourt is expected to serve as the Cubs’ depth catcher this season, bouncing between Iowa and Chicago as needed. He’s one of four catchers on Panama’s roster, so playing time might be limited, but the experience - and the chance to work with international arms - could prove valuable.
9. Jonathon Long - Chinese Taipei
Long is a name to keep an eye on. He’s not a lock for the Opening Day roster, but he’s got the kind of skill set that could make him a sneaky bench contributor in 2026.
The WBC gives him a chance to show he can handle big moments - and maybe earn a longer look this spring.
8. Miguel Amaya - Panama
Health has been the biggest hurdle for Amaya. When he’s right, there’s real offensive upside behind the plate.
But 2025 was a frustrating year, marred by injuries. The WBC offers him a clean slate and a chance to get back on track.
For the Cubs, figuring out his role by midseason will be key.
7. Daniel Palencia - Venezuela
Palencia enters 2026 as the favorite to close games for the Cubs, though last August’s struggles forced manager Craig Counsell to go with a bullpen-by-committee approach. Still, Palencia earned back the ninth inning in the postseason and looked sharp.
A strong showing for Venezuela could be the springboard he needs to cement himself as one of the league’s top late-inning arms.
6. Matthew Boyd - United States
Boyd was an All-Star in 2025, but on a Team USA staff that includes Tarik Skubal, Paul Skenes, and Logan Webb, he might fly under the radar. That said, he’s a veteran lefty with experience, and those guys tend to find their moments in tournaments like this.
Don’t be surprised if he becomes a steady presence in the rotation.
5. Javier Assad - Mexico
Assad turned heads during the last WBC with Team Mexico and will be looking to do it again. Injuries limited his impact in 2025, and his role with the Cubs heading into this season is still a bit of a question mark.
But if he looks sharp in the tournament, it could go a long way toward carving out a meaningful spot on the big-league staff.
4. Jameson Taillon - Canada
Taillon was a rock for the Cubs down the stretch in 2025, and he’ll bring that same consistency to the mound for Team Canada. He’s expected to be a key piece of their rotation, and for Chicago, it’s another chance to keep his arm sharp heading into what could be a big year.
3. Pete Crow-Armstrong - United States
Crow-Armstrong might not crack the starting lineup for Team USA - not with Aaron Judge, Byron Buxton, and Corbin Carroll roaming the outfield - but just being on the roster speaks volumes. The experience alone is massive for a young player on the rise.
He’ll get to learn from some of the game’s best and compete on a global stage before returning to Wrigley with even more confidence.
2. Alex Bregman - United States
This will be Bregman’s first spring in a Cubs uniform, but he’s already made it clear: he’s coming in early to get his work in before joining Team USA. That’s exactly the kind of leadership you want from a veteran presence.
He’ll be a key part of the American infield, and his presence on the roster is also a valuable opportunity for Crow-Armstrong to learn from one of the game’s most cerebral hitters.
1. Seiya Suzuki - Japan
Suzuki is coming off a 32-homer season with a 123 wRC+, and if he brings that same form to Team Japan, he could be one of the most dangerous hitters in the entire tournament. He’s been steadily growing into a star in Chicago, and the WBC could be his moment to shine on the world stage.
If Japan makes a deep run, expect Suzuki to be in the middle of it.
Final Word
The World Baseball Classic isn’t just a showcase of international talent - it’s a proving ground.
For the Cubs, it’s a chance to see how their players perform under pressure, against top competition, before the grind of the MLB season begins. Whether it’s a rising prospect trying to break through, or a veteran sharpening his tools, these tournament reps matter.
And for fans, it’s another reason to be excited. The Cubs aren’t just building for October - they’re sending talent all over the globe. That’s the kind of depth and development that championship teams are built on.