Which 5 White Sox Players Will Suit Up in the 2026 World Baseball Classic?

As baseball fans gear up for the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC), the Chicago White Sox will have a notable presence on the international stage. With the WBC tournament just around the corner, five players from the South Side squad will be representing their respective countries, adding another layer of excitement to the upcoming spring season. Let’s take a closer look at the White Sox stars who will be competing in this year’s World Baseball Classic and the impact they could have.
Curtis Mead – Australia
First Game: TPE vs. AUS – 9:00 PM CT (March 3, Tokyo Dome, Japan)
Curtis Mead, a 25-year-old from Adelaide, Australia, will make his WBC debut representing his home country. Acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays in a trade for Adrian Hauser, Mead finds himself in a new environment with the White Sox after a mixed experience with the Rays’ system. Although Mead struggled during his initial stint with the Sox, slashing .240/.280/.304 in 41 games, the WBC provides him an opportunity to showcase his skills on the international stage.
Mead, who once ranked as the third-best prospect in the Rays system, is versatile and can play all over the infield. While his 2025 performance didn’t fully live up to expectations, a strong showing in the WBC could be a springboard for his future with the White Sox, especially with the team looking for consistent improvement at the plate.
Seranthony Domínguez – Dominican Republic
First Game: NCA vs. DOM – 6:00 PM CT (March 6, LoanDepot Park, Miami)
Seranthony Domínguez is one of the most exciting additions to the White Sox in 2026. The former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher joined the Sox as a key offseason acquisition, bringing a high-velocity fastball and a solid repertoire of pitches that make him a potential game-changer out of the bullpen. In the 2025 season, Domínguez posted a 3.16 ERA with 79 strikeouts in 62.2 innings, providing much-needed stability in a White Sox bullpen that struggled to close out games last season.
Now, Domínguez will represent the Dominican Republic, one of the favorites to take home the WBC title. With Dominican Republic having a deep roster stacked with talent, Domínguez will play a pivotal role as a closer or setup man, potentially making a significant impact in the tournament. Sox fans will be watching closely, as Domínguez could be a vital piece in both the WBC and the White Sox’s 2026 season.

Kyle Teel – Italy
First Game: BRA vs. ITA – 12:00 PM CT (March 7, Daikin Park, Houston)
Kyle Teel, one of the White Sox’s most promising young players, will represent Italy in this year’s WBC. The catcher made an impressive debut with the Sox in 2025, and while he’s still competing for a starting spot in 2026, he remains a highly touted prospect. Teel showed promise in his first MLB season, and with his offseason work to improve his power — including adding 20 pounds of muscle — he’s poised for a breakout year.
Though his spring training stats have been a bit underwhelming so far, Teel’s potential to hit for power remains one of his most intriguing attributes. A strong WBC showing could help Teel reclaim the spotlight and solidify his place as the Sox’s future behind the plate. He will likely face some tough competition for a starting role, but the WBC could be the perfect stage for him to display his talents on a global scale.
Sam Antonacci – Italy
First Game: BRA vs. ITA – 12:00 PM CT (March 7, Daikin Park, Houston)
The White Sox will have two representatives on Team Italy: Sam Antonacci is another young player making a name for himself this spring. The 23-year-old infielder has been on fire during Cactus League play, with an impressive line of four hits, four RBIs, two home runs, five walks, and three stolen bases in 18 plate appearances. This early performance has made a strong case for a spot on the Sox’s Opening Day roster.
Antonacci’s dynamic playstyle and well-rounded abilities give him the potential to make a splash in the WBC, where his speed and power could help Italy make a run. If he keeps up his stellar spring, Antonacci might be the next Sox prospect to debut in the majors. His WBC performance could be a critical stepping stone in his development.
Munetaka Murakami – Japan
First Game: JPN vs. TPE – 4:00 AM CT (March 6, Tokyo Dome, Japan)
The player generating the most buzz for the White Sox in the 2026 WBC is undoubtedly Munetaka Murakami, the Japanese slugger who shocked MLB fans by signing a two-year contract with the White Sox after a legendary career in the Nippon Professional Baseball League (NPB). Known for his ability to hit for power, Murakami comes to the Sox as one of the most highly anticipated international players in recent memory.

Murakami is no stranger to the WBC, having helped lead Japan to victory in the 2019 tournament. His walk-off home run in the semi-finals and additional clutch hits in the finals were pivotal moments in Japan’s title run. Despite not hitting any signature blasts during spring training, Murakami still managed to record five hits, including two doubles, and two RBIs in his 13 at-bats.
As one of the most recognizable faces in the WBC, Murakami will be a focal point for Team Japan as they attempt to repeat as champions. His power bat and leadership are vital assets to both Japan and the White Sox, and his success in the WBC will only increase anticipation for his MLB debut.
Conclusion
As the 2026 World Baseball Classic approaches, five White Sox players will take center stage representing their countries on the international platform. With Curtis Mead and Munetaka Murakami bringing fresh talent, Seranthony Domínguez adding veteran firepower to the Dominican Republic’s bullpen, and Kyle Teel and Sam Antonacci aiming to make their mark with Team Italy, Sox fans have a lot to look forward to in the coming weeks.
The WBC serves as a unique opportunity for these players to showcase their talents on a global scale, and their performances could have a lasting impact on the 2026 MLB season. Keep an eye on these five players as they continue to represent their countries and contribute to the international baseball landscape.
Stay tuned for more updates on Team USA, Team Japan, and all the exciting action from the World Baseball Classic as it unfolds!