Inside Israel's baseball team: A complete roster and more about 2026 World Baseball Classic team
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Inside Israel's baseball team: A complete roster and more about 2026 World Baseball Classic team originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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The 2026 World Baseball Classic begins on Tuesday, March 3, kicking off the international baseball tournament held every four years.
Israel has qualified for the 2026 WBC, marking its third appearance in the competition. Team Israel did not attempt to enter the first two World Baseball Classics in 2006 or 2009. It first tried to enter the tournament in 2013 but was unable to qualify. Entering 2026, Israel’s best finish in its two previous appearances is sixth place, achieved in 2017.
Team Israel is missing some star power on its roster and will need an under-the-radar player to step up and make a name for himself — something the competition often promotes. Until then, Harrison Bader, Dean Kremer and Spencer Horwitz will have to shoulder the load as Israel looks to return to at least the quarterfinals.
Here’s everything to know about Israel’s World Baseball Classic roster.
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Israel World Baseball Classic 2026 roster
Here is a look at Israel's 2026 World Baseball Classic roster.
Pitchers
PlayerTeamThrowsCharlie BeilensonMarinersRJosh BlumMetsRMatt BowmanTwinsRHarrison CohenYankeesRDaniel Federman--RJordan GeberMetsRTommy Kahnle--RRob Kamisnky--LDean KremerOriolesRMaz LazarPhilliesRCarlos LequericaTigersRJosh MallitzPadresREli MorganRoyalsRRyan PragerGuardiansLBen SimonMetsRRobert Stock--RZac WeissMetsRCatchers
PlayerTeamBats/ThrowsC.J. StubbsBlue JaysR/RGarrett StubbsPhilliesL/RInfielders
PlayerTeamBats/ThrowsCole CarriggRockiesS/RJake GelofDodgersR/RSpencer HorwitzPiratesL/RNoah MendlingerCardinalsL/RMatt MervisNationalsL/RBenjamin Rosengard--L/ROutfielders
PlayerTeamBats/ThrowsHarrison BaderGiantsR/RTroy JohnstonRockiesL/LZach LevensonCardinalsR/RAssaf Lowengart--R/RRJ SchreckBlue JaysL/RMORE: Oldest players to play in MLB game
Israel players to watch in World Baseball Classic
Israel's MLB representatives are mainly depth players. Harrison Bader is projected to be the starting center fielder for the San Francisco Giants. Dean Kremer is expected to be either the Baltimore Orioles' No. 5 starter or a long reliever out of the bullpen.
One of the more exciting players to watch is Spencer Horwitz. He is one of the top young players in the Pittsburgh Pirates' organization and is expected to be their starter at first base this season, adding to a power-hitting lineup.
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Who is coaching Team Israel in the World Baseball Classic?
Brad Ausmus will be Israel's manager for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Ausmus was a catcher from 1993 to 2010, playing for four different franchises. After retirement, he was hired to be the manager of the Detroit Tigers and held the role for four years. Ausmus had a career 314-332 record with Detroit, making the playoffs once. He was then hired to be the manager of the Los Angeles Angels for the 2019 season, but lasted one year after a 72-90 record.
Team Israel has a robust 12-man coaching staff for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
CoachRoleBrad AusmusManagerKevin YoukilisBench CoachBlake GailenHitting CoachTyger PedersonHitting CoachBrad GolbergPitching CoachJason BellFirst Base CoachMark LorettaThird Base CoachJason AgrestiBullpen CatcherBlake DickmanBullpen CatcherJason MarquisBullpen CoachJerry NarronOutfield CoachNate FishBatting Practice PitcherMORE: 16 NFL stars drafted by MLB teams
Israel World Baseball Classic history
Israel did not enter the World Baseball Classic the first two times it was held. Team Israel had a team for the 2013 tournament, but weren't able to qualify.
Israel's first time qualifying for the World Baseball Classic came in 2017. They finished sixth, making it to the second round, but not advancing to the quarterfinals after an 8-3 loss to Japan.
Team Israel was back in the World Baseball Classic in 2023. While their performance was good enough to qualify for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, they didn't make it out of the first round and finished 16th.
YearResultLast Game2006Didn't enterDidn't enter2009Didn't enterDidn't enter2013Didn't qualifyDidn't qualify20176th8-3 loss to Japan202316th5-1 loss to Venezuela2026TBDTBDMORE: Who didn't vote for Ichiro for the Hall of Fame?