Every Cubs player heading to the 2026 World Baseball Classic, ranked by impact

The 2026 World Baseball Classic rosters are set, and the Chicago Cubs are well represented. Throughout the offseason, players have been announced for respective rosters, and Cubs fans certainly took notice of Pete Crow-Armstrong's selection to Team USA. Of course, Crow-Armstrong will also be joined by new teammate Alex Bregman.

Crow-Armstong and Bregman are certainly two of the most notable Cubs players participating in the World Baseball Classic, but they aren't the only ones. Several other players from the major league roster will be playing, in addition familiar prospects, and non-roster invites to spring training.

Every Cubs player heading to the 2026 World Baseball Classic, ranked by impact

There certainly are names Cubs fans will know like the back of their hand, but there are also several players who fans may not realize have signed with the organization.

13. Erian Rodriguez, Panama

Rodriguez was selected by the Cubs near the end of the 2021 draft, and he has yet to be elevated to the Triple-A level. He's Rule 5 eligible, so there is a chance he gets swiped from the Cubs next offseason. With the Smokies in 2025, he posted a 3.19 ERA in 18 starts while striking out over 20% of the hitters he faced.

12. Yacksel Ríos, Puerto Rico

Ríos is among a recent group of minor-league signings for the Cubs. His participation in the World Baseball Classic likely will work against his chances of making the Opening Day roster, not that he had the strongest of chances.

11. BJ Murray, Great Britain

Murray was once an exciting third base prospect for the Cubs, flashing the type of power that the Cubs have lacked at the major league level. After struggling in Triple-A at the end of the 2024 season, he spent all of 2025 in Double-A and posted a 138 wRC+. If he struggled in Triple-A, that doesn't bode well for his chances of success in the WBC.

10. Christian Bethancourt, Panama

Bethancourt is one of two Cubs catchers on Team Panama, and he likely will serve as Chicago's up-and-down catcher this season. He may not get much playing time in the World Baseball Classic, considering Panama is rostering four catchers.

9. Jonathon Long, Chinese Taipei

Long is a sneaky candidate to emerge as a bench contributor on the Cubs in 2026, and he has the chance to begin making that push in the World Baseball Classic.

8. Miguel Amaya, Panama

The last time Amaya was healthy, he was flashing signs of an offensive breakout. The problem was that Amaya's 2025 season was defined by injuries. His comeback will start with Team Panama in the World Baseball Classic, and the Cubs will need to have his role defined by the end of the 2026 season.

7. Daniel Palencia, Venezuela

Palencia is the perceived closer in the Cubs' bullpen to open the 2026 season. It's a role he had for most of the 2025 season, but some struggles last August led to Craig Counsell turning to a committee for the ninth inning. Palencia returned to being Counsell's go-to reliever in the postseason, and a strong showing for Team Venezuela could fuel his ascension toward being one of the best relievers in all of baseball.

6. Matthew Boyd, United States

Team USA has a starting rotation headlined by Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes. With Logan Webb also part of the mix, Boyd may be an afterthought. He was an All-Star in 2025 and should be a dependable option for his country in March.

5. Javier Assad, Mexico

Assad made a name for himself the last time he pitched for Team Mexico in the World Baseball Classic. Like Amaya, Assad's 2025 season was defined by injury, and his role on the 2026 Cubs' roster remains uncertain. He should have a nice return to the national stage during the WBC.

4. Jameson Taillon, Canada

Taillon was a staple of the Cubs' rotation at the end of the 2025 season, and he should hold a similar role for Team Canada next month.

3. Pete Crow-Armstrong, United States

The only reason why Crow-Armstrong isn't higher is that he may not be a starting outfielder for Team USA, considering Aaron Judge, Byron Buxton, and Corbin Carroll are on the team.

2. Alex Bregman, United States

It'll be Bregman's first spring training with the Cubs, but he made it a point to confirm he will come in early to get his work done with the team before focusing on the WBC. Bregman will be a veteran presence for Team USA; that's why Crow-Armstrong's inclusion on the roster is so important.

1. Seiya Suzuki, Japan

Suzuki hit 32 home runs with the Cubs last year while posting a wRC+ of 123. If that is the version of Suzuki with Japan in the WBC next season, he will have the biggest impact.