🚨 LOS ANGELES DODGERS’ EXECUTIVE DISCUSSES PLAYERS PARTICIPATING IN 2026 WBC: Who’s Representing the Team? 👇

Los Angeles Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman recently addressed the team’s involvement in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC), shedding light on the Dodgers’ approach to balancing player participation in the prestigious tournament with the team’s broader goals for the upcoming season.

Friedman’s Take on the WBC: Balancing Pride and Preparation

Friedman emphasized the immense pride that players feel when representing their countries in the WBC. He described the club’s approach as a collaborative effort with the players, focusing on understanding their thoughts and balancing the early part of the season with the team’s long-term aspirations.

“We understand the immense pride that these guys feel for representing their country in that competition,” Friedman explained. “Talking to these guys it’s just about partnering up with them. Understanding where they’re at, what their thoughts are, how we do it the best way.”

The Dodgers’ ultimate goal is to play deep into October, and Friedman highlighted the importance of balancing players’ WBC commitments in February and March with the team’s broader objective. Despite the logistical challenges, Friedman emphasized the club’s supportive approach to their players’ international duties, stating:

“Really good conversations with all those guys, and at the end of the day we are supportive.”

Dodgers Representing at the WBC: Who’s In and Who’s Out?

As the 2026 WBC approaches, several key Dodgers players will represent their countries, showcasing the team’s global talent. Here’s who’s confirmed so far:

• Shohei Ohtani (Japan) – Second consecutive WBC appearance for the two-way star, looking to bring home another title for Japan after winning it all in the previous tournament.

• Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Japan) – Joining Ohtani for Japan, Yamamoto will make his second consecutive WBC appearance alongside his teammate.

• Will Smith (USA) – The Dodgers’ catcher will be a part of Team USA, representing the country for the second time.

• Clayton Kershaw (USA) – Making his first-ever WBC appearance after retiring from MLB at the end of the 2025 season.

However, not all Dodgers will be participating:

• Mookie Betts (USA) – Betts will not join Team USA this year as he and his wife, Brianna, are expecting a child during the tournament. Betts humorously shared the reasoning on a livestream, saying, “My wife, we’re having a kid, so, the baby’s due in the middle of the WBC. She said she’d divorce me if I wasn’t there.”

• Miguel Rojas (Venezuela) – Rojas announced his absence due to insurance issues, expressing his disappointment in a heartfelt message, writing, “It’s a real shame not to be able to represent my country and wear that flag on my chest.”

Potential for More Dodgers in the WBC: Roster Spots Still Open

As of now, only four Dodgers have confirmed their participation in the 2026 WBC, but more could still join as teams finalize their rosters. The WBC will reveal the full rosters for all 20 teams on Thursday, February 5 at 7:00 p.m. ET on MLB Network, and the Dodgers may yet see additional players heading to the tournament.

Looking Ahead to the 2026 WBC

With the 2026 WBC just around the corner, Andrew Friedman and the Dodgers are taking a measured, supportive approach to their players’ involvement, balancing the excitement of representing their countries with the need to remain focused on a long, successful MLB season. The Dodgers are set to have a strong presence in the tournament, and fans are eager to see how the international competition will impact their team’s chemistry heading into the regular season.

Stay tuned as the 2026 WBC rosters continue to take shape and the Dodgers’ international stars prepare for a thrilling tournament. Who else might join the ranks of Dodgers representing their countries? Find out soon!