The days of Team Canada being an underdog in the World Baseball Classic are long gone. Gone are the rosters filled with Minor Leaguers and MLB bench players, feeling overmatched by the All-Star lineups of Team USA and Team Mexico. Now, Canada is in the enviable position of having to turn down Major League talent.
Baseball is on the rise in Canada, especially after the Blue Jays' thrilling run to Game 7 of the World Series, drawing record-breaking viewership across the country. Canadian players are eager to show they can compete with the tournament favorites.
Flashback to the inaugural World Baseball Classic twenty years ago, and you'd find a Canadian roster where over half the players were in the Minors, playing independent ball, or had retired. Fast forward to 2026, and 22 of the 30 players on Team Canada are MLB regulars, with several boasting All-Star credentials.
This transformation is a testament to the dedication and hard work of Canadian players. Bo Naylor, a stalwart for Canada since his Junior National Team days, captures this sentiment perfectly: “Canadian baseball is definitely trending in the right direction.
We have guys here for the right reasons, and they're at great stages in their careers. Hopefully, this sets a positive example for young Canadian players that there's a future in this game.”
Even without the presence of nine-time All-Star Freddie Freeman, who opted out for personal reasons, this is arguably the most talented Team Canada ever. Alongside the Naylor brothers, the roster features MLB stars and rising talents like Tyler O’Neill, Owen Caissie, and pitchers such as Jameson Taillon and Michael Soroka, ready to take on the tournament's best.
Confidence is high, but the goal remains clear: winning. Despite participating in every World Baseball Classic since 2006, Canada has yet to advance past pool play. This year, the team faces new challenges, playing group stage games in San Juan against Puerto Rico, Cuba, Panama, and Colombia.
Caissie, who emerged as a standout in the 2023 WBC, is excited about the fresh competition: “I’ve never played in Puerto Rico, so it's going to be pretty cool. The goal is always to advance and win, and this year we have a really good shot. We’re never out of it, and we're all pumped for it.”
For a nation not traditionally known for baseball, advancing to the knockout stage would signify that Canada’s investment in baseball infrastructure is paying off. “Canada is catching up,” Caissie notes. “Facilities, training, and exposure for young kids are improving rapidly.”
This progress is attracting more Major Leaguers to play for Team Canada, as the prestige of the World Baseball Classic continues to grow. “It’s a prestigious event, and guys are realizing that,” Caissie adds. “It prepares you for the season, and there’s no greater pride than representing your country.”
Whether or not Team Canada makes WBC history this year, the impact on Canadian baseball is undeniable. “Representing your country is always special,” Naylor reflects.
“Canadians have adopted the identity of fighting hard in any sport. With the right mentality, it’s a recipe for success.”
This squad is poised to make Canada proud, showcasing the growth of baseball north of the border, and inspiring the next generation of players.