The roster for the upcoming World Baseball Classic (WBC) continues to expand as major league players prepare for the tournament scheduled from March 6-17, 2026. Notable additions include Shohei Ohtani, who recently secured the National League MVP title, and Aaron Judge, who earned the American League MVP honor. This year marks a notable trend of repeat winners in several award categories.
Ohtani’s victory represents his fourth MVP award in five seasons, a rare accomplishment in the league. His only miss came in 2022, when Judge famously broke the American League record with 62 home runs. The voting for the MVP awards was closely contested, with Judge receiving 17 first-place votes and finishing with 355 points, while Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners followed closely with 13 first-place votes and 335 points. Voters expressed that both players deserved the accolade, reflecting the competitive nature of the league.
In addition to the MVPs, Major League Baseball (MLB) announced the All-MLB team and other awards, highlighting exceptional performances throughout the season. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, this year’s qualifying offers could significantly impact the free-agent market. The projected qualifying offer stands at $22.025 million, a figure that may deter some players from entering free agency due to the looming uncertainty of a potential lockout next offseason.
Several players are in the spotlight as they navigate their futures. Gleyber Torres, who had a strong performance with a .812 OPS before the All-Star break, faces recovery from surgery for a sports hernia. His current health status may influence team decisions as he approaches free agency. Similarly, Trent Grisham, who had a career year with 34 home runs and an .811 OPS, successfully managed a contract reduction last season and is now a sought-after player.
Pitchers Brandon Woodruff and Shota Imanaga also find themselves in unique situations. Woodruff, returning from shoulder surgery, produced a commendable 3.20 ERA in a limited number of starts. In contrast, Imanaga’s recent performance led the Cubs to decline his option, although he remains a player to watch as the free agency period unfolds.
The WBC roster continues to take shape, with additional players such as Bobby Witt Jr., Paul Skenes, and Cal Raleigh confirmed for Team USA. The latest additions include Pete Crow-Armstrong of the Cubs and Corbin Carroll from the Diamondbacks. Notably, Kike Hernández will not participate due to recent elbow surgery.
On another front, the inaugural season of the Women’s Pro Baseball League (WPBL) is set to kick off following the Women’s Baseball World Cup, with games scheduled to start shortly after July 22-26, 2026. The four original teams, representing New York, Boston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, will compete at a neutral site, Robin Roberts Stadium in Springfield, Illinois. The WPBL draft is set for Thursday, and several high-profile players are expected to be selected.
In the free agency landscape, the first significant move has been made by Josh Naylor, who has re-signed with the Seattle Mariners on a five-year contract, although financial details remain undisclosed. Meanwhile, Emmanuel Clase was arrested in New York and has pleaded not guilty to all charges, adding complexity to his status as an elite closer.
As the baseball season approaches, the dynamics of team rosters and player movements promise an exciting landscape for fans and stakeholders alike.
