Guardians Well-Represented in Upcoming World Baseball Classic, Headlined by Bo Naylor and Travis Bazzana
As the baseball world turns its eyes toward the 2026 World Baseball Classic, the Cleveland Guardians will be sending a strong contingent to the international stage. Nine players from the organization - spanning major leaguers, prospects, and non-roster invitees - are set to represent their countries when the tournament kicks off March 5.
Bo Naylor Highlights Guardians' WBC Presence
Cleveland catcher Bo Naylor will suit up for Team Canada, joining his brother and former teammate Josh Naylor in what promises to be a special reunion on the international stage. The two spent parts of three seasons together in Cleveland before Josh was traded to Arizona in December 2024, and later flipped to Seattle at last season’s trade deadline. Now, they’ll reunite in Canadian red and white, looking to make noise in a loaded WBC field.
Top Prospect Travis Bazzana to Represent Australia
Also drawing attention is Travis Bazzana, the former No. 1 overall pick, who will represent Team Australia. Bazzana, one of the most exciting young players in the Guardians’ system, brings a dynamic blend of speed, bat control, and defensive versatility. This will be a big stage for the young infielder to showcase his talents against top-tier international competition.
More Guardians Joining the Global Stage
The Guardians’ WBC roster reach doesn’t stop there. Pitcher Matt Festa will pitch for Team Italy, while left-hander Logan Allen will represent Panama. Outfielder Stuart Fairchild, a non-roster invitee, is set to play for Chinese Taipei.
Several minor leaguers will also get a shot at international play. Right-hander Dylan DeLucia joins Festa on Italy’s roster, infielder Dayan Frias will suit up for Colombia, and lefty Matt “Tugboat” Wilkinson - known for his big frame and deceptive delivery - will bolster Canada’s pitching staff alongside Bo Naylor.
Coaching Staff Also Going Global
It’s not just the players heading out - three members of the Guardians’ coaching staff will also take part in the tournament. Longtime Cleveland figure Sandy Alomar Jr. will join Puerto Rico’s staff, Brad Goldberg will work with Team Israel, and Rouglas Odor will be part of Venezuela’s coaching contingent. It’s a testament to the organization’s depth and international ties that so many coaches are trusted to contribute on this stage.
Notable Absences from WBC Rosters
While the Guardians will be well-represented, a few big names from the roster were not included in the WBC rosters released Thursday. José Ramírez, who was expected to be a fixture for the Dominican Republic, was notably absent.
Ramírez declined to comment last week when asked about his WBC plans. His absence comes after some Dominican fans voiced frustration over his decision to skip the 2025 All-Star Game, despite being voted in as a starter.
Adding to the intrigue, Manny Machado was announced as the Dominican Republic’s starting third baseman. That decision comes even as Ramírez was recently named MLB Network’s top third baseman - and the No. 5 overall player in the league. It’s a reminder of just how deep the Dominican roster is, and how competitive these national selections can get.
Also missing from the WBC rosters: Canadian pitchers Cade Smith and Erik Sabrowski, and Venezuelan infielders Brayan Rocchio and Gabriel Arias - all Guardians players who might have been in the mix but ultimately won’t be suiting up this time around.
Spring Training Adjustments Ahead
With the WBC on the horizon, the Guardians’ spring training schedule is adjusting accordingly. Pitchers and catchers heading to the tournament will report to the team’s Goodyear, Arizona facility on Monday, with their first workouts set for Wednesday. Position players participating in the WBC are due to report Thursday, with workouts beginning February 14.
While the WBC takes some players away from camp, it also opens the door for others to get extra reps and make an impression. For the Guardians, it’s a balancing act - but one that comes with the pride of seeing their players compete on baseball’s global stage.
As March approaches, the Guardians' fingerprints will be all over the WBC - from the dugouts to the diamond.