2026 World Baseball Classic: Seattle Mariners Players to Watch (2026)

The Seattle Mariners are gearing up for an exciting representation at the upcoming World Baseball Classic (WBC) in 2026, and fans have a lot to anticipate!

On a recent Thursday, the MLB Network unveiled the complete rosters for all 20 teams participating in this prestigious tournament. This year, the Mariners will proudly showcase 11 players across eight different national teams—an increase from the 10 who competed in 2023 and matching their total from the 2017 WBC. Each team is allowed a roster of 30 players, allowing for a robust showcase of talent.

Among the Mariners' contingent, eight players are already established major leaguers, two are hopefuls aiming to secure a spot after spring training, and one is a minor league player. Notably, this group includes key positions such as two-thirds of the starting outfield, the starting catcher, the first baseman, and two bullpen pitchers, along with a highly regarded prospect ranked in the top 100.

Prior to the roster reveal, four Mariners had already been confirmed to participate: Cal Raleigh (catcher for Team USA), Julio Rodríguez (center fielder representing the Dominican Republic), Randy Arozarena (left fielder for Mexico), and Gabe Speier (reliever for Team USA).

The WBC is set to kick off with pool play starting Thursday, March 5, and it will culminate with the championship game on Tuesday, March 17, at loanDepot Park in Miami—a venue that promises to be electric!

Here’s a detailed list of the Mariners’ players participating in the WBC:

Team USA

• Cal Raleigh, C

• Gabe Speier, LHP

Both Raleigh, the standout catcher, and Speier, the top left-handed reliever, will experience their first WBC competition. Raleigh was among the earliest players to commit to the team during the All-Star festivities in July, while Speier received his selection on January 14.

Dominican Republic

• Julio Rodríguez, OF

In his 2023 WBC debut, Rodríguez recorded five hits in 18 at-bats, including a double and three RBIs over four games.

Mexico

• Randy Arozarena, OF

• Andrés Muñoz, RHP

Arozarena excelled in the 2023 WBC, boasting an impressive .450 batting average (9 for 20) with a remarkable 1.507 OPS, contributing six doubles, one home run, nine RBIs, and six walks across six games, helping Mexico reach the semifinals. Muñoz will be making his WBC debut this year.

Canada

• Josh Naylor, 1B

Naylor, who rejoined the Mariners on a five-year contract in November, is returning to the WBC for his second appearance after making his debut as a teenager in 2017, where he went hitless in two games. He missed the 2023 tournament due to an ankle injury but is eager to make an impact this time around.

Venezuela

• Eduard Bazardo, RHP

Bazardo is set to take part in the WBC for the first time following a breakout season in 2025.

Colombia

• Michael Arroyo, INF/OF

Ranked as the No. 67 prospect by MLB Pipeline, Arroyo contributed three hits, two RBIs, three walks, and two stolen bases in three games during last March's qualifiers, leading Colombia to advance.

Italy

• Dominic Canzone, OF

• Miles Mastrobuoni, UTL

Canzone will be making his WBC debut after a breakout 2025 season, while Mastrobuoni returns to the international stage after participating in 2023, where he managed five hits, including two doubles and two RBIs, in five games.

Korea

• Dane Dunning, RHP

Dunning, who recently signed a minor league contract with the Mariners, will also make his WBC debut this year.

Interestingly, several former Mariners and local talents have also secured spots on various WBC rosters. Notable names include Seattle natives such as Matthew Boyd (U.S.), Riley O’Brien (Korea), and Stuart Fairchild (Chinese Taipei). Additionally, two-time All-Star Corbin Carroll is representing the U.S.

Other former Mariners participating include Eugenio Suárez (Venezuela), Edwin Díaz (Puerto Rico), Taijuan Walker (Mexico), and numerous others, highlighting the significant impact of Seattle's baseball community on the global stage.

As we delve deeper into the Mariners' offseason activities, there are numerous discussions about whether the Mariners made prudent investments or strategic moves, particularly regarding new acquisitions like Brendan Donovan. With high expectations entering 2026, fans are eager to witness how these developments unfold.

For a closer look at ongoing Mariners coverage and insights into their strategies, check out articles discussing recent trades, player expectations, and historic commemorations, such as the planned statue honoring the iconic 2001 team.

What do you think about the Mariners' representation in this year's WBC? Are there any players you believe could make a significant impact? Share your thoughts in the comments!

2026 World Baseball Classic: Seattle Mariners Players to Watch (2026)
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