Jakob Marsee Set to Represent Italy in 2026 World Baseball Classic
Jakob Marsee is headed to the international stage. The 24-year-old Miami Marlins outfielder will suit up for Team Italy in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, according to a source familiar with the roster. Italy’s final 30-man squad was submitted Tuesday morning, setting the stage for a competitive run in Pool B.
Marsee is expected to be a key piece for manager Francisco Cervelli, likely slotting in as Italy’s starting center fielder and possibly leading off. He’ll be joined by a strong core of major league talent, including Vinnie Pasquantino, Aaron Nola, Kyle Teel, and Jac Caglianone.
For Marsee, this WBC nod caps off a breakout stretch in his young career. Acquired by Miami as part of the trade that sent Luis Arraez to San Diego, Marsee rebounded from a tough 2024 season with a standout 2025 campaign that turned heads throughout the league.
In Triple-A, Marsee played 98 games and posted a .246/.379/.438 slash line, adding 14 home runs, 37 RBIs, and an eye-popping 47 stolen bases. His 126 wRC+ showed he was creating runs well above league average.
But it was his performance after getting the call to the big leagues that truly put him on the map. Over 55 games with the Marlins, Marsee hit .292 with a .363 OBP and a .478 slugging percentage, good for an .842 OPS.
He added five home runs, 33 RBIs, 14 steals, and a 133 wRC+, earning him National League Rookie of the Month honors in August.
The Central Michigan product brings a dynamic skill set to the Italian roster-plus speed, solid on-base ability, and developing power. He’s the kind of player who can impact a game in multiple ways, whether it’s stretching a single into a double or working a tough walk to spark a rally.
Though born and raised in the U.S., Marsee qualifies for Team Italy through his great-grandparents on both sides of his family. The WBC’s eligibility rules are intentionally broad, designed to grow the game by allowing players with ancestral ties to represent countries where baseball is still developing.
Marsee won’t be the only Marlin playing in the tournament. Sandy Alcantara (Dominican Republic), Otto Lopez (Canada), Liam Hicks (Canada), and Owen Caissie (Canada) are all confirmed to participate as well, with more names from Miami’s system potentially joining before rosters are finalized.
The full WBC rosters will be unveiled Thursday at 7:00 p.m. ET on MLB Network.
Team Italy will compete in Pool B, which kicks off March 6 in Houston, Texas. It’s a tough group, featuring the United States, Mexico, Great Britain, and Brazil.
The top two teams from the pool will advance to the quarterfinals. If Italy can make a historic run to the semifinals for the first time, Marsee could find himself playing on his home field at loanDepot park.
For now, though, the focus is on Houston-and on a rising outfielder who’s ready to make his mark on the global stage.