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
| Player | Team | Throws |
| Charlie Beilenson | Mariners | R |
| Josh Blum | Mets | R |
| Matt Bowman | Twins | R |
| Harrison Cohen | Yankees | R |
| Daniel Federman | — | R |
| Jordan Geber | Mets | R |
| Tommy Kahnle | — | R |
| Rob Kamisnky | — | L |
| Dean Kremer | Orioles | R |
| Maz Lazar | Phillies | R |
| Carlos Lequerica | Tigers | R |
| Josh Mallitz | Padres | R |
| Eli Morgan | Royals | R |
| Ryan Prager | Guardians | L |
| Ben Simon | Mets | R |
| Robert Stock | — | R |
| Zac Weiss | Mets | R |
Catchers
| Player | Team | Bats/Throws |
| C.J. Stubbs | Blue Jays | R/R |
| Garrett Stubbs | Phillies | L/R |
Infielders
| Player | Team | Bats/Throws |
| Cole Carrigg | Rockies | S/R |
| Jake Gelof | Dodgers | R/R |
| Spencer Horwitz | Pirates | L/R |
| Noah Mendlinger | Cardinals | L/R |
| Matt Mervis | Nationals | L/R |
| Benjamin Rosengard | — | L/R |
Outfielders
| Player | Team | Bats/Throws |
| Harrison Bader | Giants | R/R |
| Troy Johnston | Rockies | L/L |
| Zach Levenson | Cardinals | R/R |
| Assaf Lowengart | — | R/R |
| RJ Schreck | Blue Jays | L/R |
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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.
| Coach | Role |
| Brad Ausmus | Manager |
| Kevin Youkilis | Bench Coach |
| Blake Gailen | Hitting Coach |
| Tyger Pederson | Hitting Coach |
| Brad Golberg | Pitching Coach |
| Jason Bell | First Base Coach |
| Mark Loretta | Third Base Coach |
| Jason Agresti | Bullpen Catcher |
| Blake Dickman | Bullpen Catcher |
| Jason Marquis | Bullpen Coach |
| Jerry Narron | Outfield Coach |
| Nate Fish | Batting Practice Pitcher |
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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.
| Year | Result | Last Game |
| 2006 | Didn’t enter | Didn’t enter |
| 2009 | Didn’t enter | Didn’t enter |
| 2013 | Didn’t qualify | Didn’t qualify |
| 2017 | 6th | 8-3 loss to Japan |
| 2023 | 16th | 5-1 loss to Venezuela |
| 2026 | TBD | TBD |
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Israel World Baseball Classic 2026 schedule
| Date | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat., March 7 | Israel vs. Venezuela | 7 p.m. | FS2, Fubo |
| Sun., March 8 | Israel vs. Nicaragua | 7 p.m. | Tubi |
| Mon., March 9 | Israel vs. Dominican Republic | 12 p.m. | FS1, Fubo |
| Tuesday, March 10 | Israel vs. Netherlands | 7 p.m. | Fox App |
| March 13 or 14 | Quarterfinals | TBD | TBD |
| March 15 or 16 | Semifinals | 8 p.m. | FS1, Fubo |
| March 17 | Championship | 8 p.m. | Fox, Fubo |