Top 10 Prospects (World Baseball Classic 2026)

10 prospects who are not affiliated with MLB teams

Since its inception in 2006, the World Baseball Classic has been more than just a celebration of international baseball. It has also served as a showcase platform for talent aspiring to reach Major League Baseball in the near or distant future. All 30 MLB organizations closely scout the tournament, with particular attention given to players who are not currently part of the MLB system.

I recall during the 2023 edition in Taiwan how many MLB teams had scouts focused on the opening game between Cuba and the Netherlands, where Yariel Rodríguez was the starting pitcher. Just days later, Rodríguez made the decision to travel to the Dominican Republic and terminate his contract with the Chunichi Dragons of Nippon Professional Baseball.

After returning from Taiwan and covering the semifinals and championship game in Miami, I was greatly surprised by the sheer number of scouts from multiple MLB franchises positioned behind home plate at loanDepot Park, evaluating every player participating in the final round.

In this piece, we analyze ten talents who could draw the attention of MLB organizations and project as potential Major League players in the future.

The World Baseball Classic has previously served as a launching platform for future MLB players such as Yuli Gurriel, Yu Darvish, Aroldis Chapman, Alexei Ramírez, Seung Hwan Oh, Paolo Espino, Yoenis Cespedes, Masahiro Tanaka, Raisel Iglesias, Jose Abreu and Kenta Maeda. It has also led to Minor League signings, ranging from experienced professionals to younger, less proven talents, as was the case with the impressive 2023 performance of Duke Hebbert with Team Nicaragua, which ultimately earned him a Minor League contract with the Detroit Tigers.