MIAMI – Team Israel enters the 2026 World Baseball Classic facing a familiar challenge: navigating a daunting pool and seeking to replicate the magic of past tournaments. This year’s squad, largely comprised of American Jewish players, aims to build on previous successes while confronting a “Pool of Death” in Miami that includes Venezuela, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Nicaragua.
Israel’s journey in the WBC began with a near miss in 2012, followed by qualification in 2016 and a memorable run in the 2017 tournament. That year, they stunned the baseball world, sweeping their initial pool with victories over South Korea, Chinese Taipei, and the Netherlands. A subsequent win against Cuba propelled them to the quarterfinals, where they ultimately fell to the Netherlands and Japan.
The 2023 Classic saw Team Israel post a 1-3 record, securing a win against Nicaragua but falling to Venezuela, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. The team’s upcoming schedule in Miami is equally challenging. They will open against Venezuela on , followed by a matchup against Nicaragua on , a contest against the Dominican Republic on , and a final pool play game against the Netherlands on .
A Blend of Big Leaguers and Prospects
This year’s roster features a mix of established Major Leaguers and promising Minor League prospects. Harrison Bader (New York Giants), Spencer Horwitz (Pittsburgh Pirates), and Dean Kremer (Baltimore Orioles) represent the team’s big league core, while Cole Carrigg, Harrison Cohen, and Jake Gelof offer potential for the future. Kremer, whose parents are Israeli, brings valuable WBC experience, having been a key contributor in both 2017 and 2023.
Offensively, Bader and Horwitz provide proven hitting ability. Kremer’s experience is particularly crucial, as he was the team’s best pitcher in the 2023 tournament. The inclusion of Jake Gelof, brother of Zack Gelof who played in the previous WBC, adds another layer of excitement to the lineup. Cohen, a Yankees relief prospect, is expected to bolster the team’s bullpen.
Past Successes and Defining Moments
Team Israel’s most memorable moments came during the 2017 WBC. Their 2-1 victory over South Korea in the tournament’s opening game was a significant upset, setting the tone for their improbable run. They continued their success by defeating Cuba 4-1 in the quarterfinals before ultimately being eliminated.
Beyond the WBC, Team Israel also achieved a notable victory on the Olympic stage at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Games, defeating Mexico 12-5 in the knockout round.
Pitching Remains a Key Question
As with previous tournaments, pitching will be paramount for Team Israel’s success. While Kremer provides a reliable starting option, the team will need contributions from lesser-known arms to compete against the formidable lineups in Pool D. The ability of these pitchers to step up and contain opponents will be critical to the team’s chances of advancing.
The team’s realistic goal centers around securing a win against Nicaragua, which would guarantee their qualification for the next World Baseball Classic. While victories against Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, or the Netherlands would be considered significant upsets, the team remembers their 2017 victory over the Netherlands and knows that anything is possible in tournament play.
The 2026 World Baseball Classic presents a challenging but exciting opportunity for Team Israel. With a blend of experienced players and promising prospects, they aim to build on their past successes and make a mark on the international baseball stage. The team’s ability to overcome the odds and compete against some of the world’s best will be a compelling storyline to watch unfold in Miami.
