#world-baseball-classic

#world-baseball-classic

Taillon, who was born in Lakeland, Florida and went to school in Texas, holds Canadian citizenship thanks to his parents, who were both born in the Great White North. He also has numerous family ties from coast to coast and he repped Canada at the 2013 World Baseball Classic, the youngest player on the team at 21. Taillon has not represented the nation at the following tournaments since.

Speaking for the first time in front of local reporters after coming to terms with the team on a four-year, $60-million US contract, the 29-year-old slugger said at a news conference in Toronto Tuesday that before signing, he put the logos of all 30 MLB teams in front of his daughter and asked her which one she liked most. Thankfully for Canadian baseball fans, she pointed to the Jays'.

Kim was a revelation during the regular season for the Dodgers, injecting a much needed spark when the team needed it through quality contact hitting and stellar base running. He started the year on the minor league roster, so he could adjust his mechanics and swing to the States. His work paid dividends early on, but a shoulder injury and slump following his hot start relegated him to a platoon role when he returned.

A third Chicago Cubs player has committed to play in the World Baseball Classic, though this time it's not for Team USA. Owen Caissie will represent Team Canada in the 2026 WBC, marking his second time on their roster. He recorded three hits across Canada's three games, including a home run. He also drew a walk and struck out twice.

The Winter Meetings have generally been slower over the last half-decade or so than what a lot of us were used to, largely due to the pandemic and the increasing ubiquity of virtual communication. It used to be that you pretty much had to be in the same room as someone to get a deal done, but that's obviously no longer the case.

The Los Angeles Dodgers begin their 2026 Spring Training schedule on Saturday, Feb. 21, with a matchup against the Los Angeles Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium. The Dodgers will play a total of 28 Cactus League games next spring, including 14 at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Ariz. L.A. is also set to host an exhibition game against Team Mexico on March 4 ahead of the 2026 World Baseball Classic.