#world-baseball-classic

#world-baseball-classic

That's too big of a risk to take, to play with no insurance.

Unlike his first appearance, this year's artwork reflects multiple chapters of Judge's baseball career. Like the 2018 edition, Judge is shown in the New York Yankees' iconic pinstripes, but this time a Team USA jersey is also featured behind him ahead of his first World Baseball Classic appearance in March. The location of Judge's high school is highlighted on a map of California with his baseball jersey at Fresno State included too.

The Cubs have yet another player headed to the World Baseball Classic this spring, with Alex Bregman announcing his commitment to Team USA on Thursday morning.

When it comes to former Toronto Blue Jays catcher Russell Martin, he was a popular fan favourite that the entire nation of Canada had grown to adore during his time with the ballclub. After all, Martin helped lead the Blue Jays to two exciting postseason runs during his tenure with the team. Despite being with Toronto for only four years, many felt that he had been with the Blue Jays his whole life considering his Canadian roots. Well, Martin will have the Canadian fans behind him once again in the upcoming 2026 World Baseball Classic as he return to the coaching staff for Team Canada in the tournament.

On Saturday evening, Shi Davidi reported that Freddie Freeman has withdrawn from the tournament due to personal reasons, as has former Sportsnet's Toronto Blue Jay Jordan Romano. Freeman played for Canada in both the 2017 and 2023 tournaments. In 2023, the first baseman slashed .200/.273/.200 with an RBI in 10 at-bats over three games. He also struggled in his three games in 2017, slashing just .182/.182/.182.

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.