2026 World Baseball Classic: 10 prospects and international players worth knowing
As the latest iteration of the World Baseball Classic approaches, we at CBS Sports are showcasing the tournament from every angle possible. This includes, as the title suggests, highlighting 10 of the most interesting players who aren’t household names in Major League Baseball – either because they are still minor league prospects or because they play in international leagues.
Below you will find these players presented in alphabetical order. In each case, we’ve provided insight into their games, as well as some commentary on their long-term future. Got it? GOOD. Let’s continue.
1. Michael Arroyo, INF, Colombia
Arroyo, 21, is part of a loaded Mariners farm system. He split last season between High- and Double-A, hitting .262/.401/.433 with 17 homers and 12 stolen bases. There’s no denying his discipline at the plate or his power on the right side, but it’s unclear where he’ll play defensively in the long run. For now, Arroyo should fit into a Colombian infield that also includes Gio Urshela and Donovan Solano.
2. Travis Bazzana, INF, Australia
Bazzana is one of three former No. 1 overall picks participating in this tournament, along with Team USA first baseman Bryce Harper and right-hander Paul Skenes. He prepared last year to debut with the Guardians at some point in 2026 by hitting .245/.389/.424 with nine homers and 12 stolen bases across three levels (including a 26-game stint in Triple-A). Bazzana combines a disciplined approach with a sense of contact and some pulling power. Those qualities could help Bazzana become the first Australian-born position player to play in an All-Star Game since Dave Nilsson in 1999.
3. Enrique Bradfield Jr., OF, Panama
Bradfield, 24, was the 17th pick in the 2023 draft by the Orioles. He reached Triple-A last season, hitting .179/.226/.286 with one homer and six stolen bases in 15 games. He should have some sort of big league future thanks to his high-quality wheels and outfield glove, but his potential will be limited by his offensive game. He offers little hitting ability due to well below average exit velocities and a complete aversion to shooting the ball. Bradfield is still expected to make his debut in 2026.
4. Joseph Contreras, RHP, Brazil
Contreras, 17, is the youngest player in this WBC. He is a Vanderbilt veteran and the son of José, who pitched for 11 seasons in the major leagues for the White Sox, Phillies and Yankees, among others. Contreras is a projectable right-hander with a promising fastball-slider combination. This tournament probably won’t be the last time you hear his name.
5. Alfredo Despaigne, OF/DH, Cuba
Despaigne, 39, should be familiar to anyone who has ever enjoyed the WBC. This will be his fifth (and likely final) career tournament, tying him with Dutch right-hander Shairon Martis for the most active players. Despaigne hit .306/.405/.564 with 451 homers in 20 years during his stints in NPB and the Cuban National Series. You could argue that he is the most accomplished contemporary hitter to ever be part of an MLB organization.
6. Druw Jones, OF, Netherlands
Jones will play for his father Andruw in the Netherlands team. It’s fair to write that his pro career hasn’t gone the way the Diamondbacks hoped when they selected him second overall in 2022. He’s struggled with injuries and poor hitting, to the extent that he hit just .255/.335/.360 last year in the age-appropriate Northwest League. Jones can naturally get it in center field, but his bat’s declining outlook has diminished his prospects significantly.
7. Do Yeong Kim, 3B, South Korea
Kim, 22, only played 30 games for the Kia Tigers last season due to multiple lower-body injuries. It’s a shame because it prevented him from following up an impressive 2024 that saw him hit .347/.420/.647 with 38 home runs and 40 stolen bases. The industry has always treated KBO bats with some skepticism given that they generally don’t see high-caliber pitches. Still, Kim has enough qualities in his favor that he could potentially follow his former championship mates Jung Hoo Lee, Hyeseong Kim and Sung-Mun Song to an MLB club.
8. Nolan McLean, RHP, Team USA
No player on this list accomplished more in MLB than McLean with the Mets, which is funny to think about since he appeared in all eight games. It was an incredible eight games, however, which saw him compile a 2.06 ERA (196 ERA+) and a 3.56 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 48 innings. McLean has an effective combination of things (his arsenal includes two mid-90s fastballs and two breaking balls); deception; and location. It remains to be seen how Team USA manager Mark DeRosa will deploy McLean during the WBC, but he should be ready for whatever challenges await him in the tournament.
9. Taisei Ota, RHP, Japan
Ota, 26, served as a high-leverage relief arm for the Yomiuri Giants throughout his NPB career. Last year, he recorded a 2.11 ERA and a 4.29 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 62 appearances while serving in a setup capacity. Ota has a distinct release spot that is both shorter (4-foot-3 height) and deeper (7.25-foot reach) than normal — think Rays right-hander Edwin Uceta if you want a loose MLB comparison. Ota’s unusual launch point amplifies his two primary pitches: a mid-90s heater and a low-spin splitter. He could one day make his way to the MLB. For now, he will be a key part of the Japanese team’s bullpen.
10. Elmer Rodríguez, RHP, Puerto Rico
Rodríguez, 22, will enter the regular season poised to make his Yankees debut after posting a 2.58 ERA and 3.09 strikeout-to-walk ratio across three levels in 2025. But first, he’ll be part of Puerto Rico’s staff as they try to reach their third game for first place. Rodríguez is a ground ball-generating right-hander with slingshot arm action and a full arsenal (including a mid-90s fastball, three breaking balls, and a changeup). He is one to watch, in the WBC and beyond.
