Bold opening: The New York Yankees are sending a strong, star-studded message to the World Baseball Classic, with several key players stepping off spring training to represent their countries on a 12-day international stage.
With the sixth World Baseball Classic kicking off on March 5, multiple Yankees have already departed camp to prepare. Here is a clear, beginner-friendly overview of the ten players from the Yankees’ 40-man roster who will appear in the WBC, along with the roles they’re likely to fill for their respective nations.
Aaron Judge
Judge will captain Team USA, taking over the role from Mike Trout. He’s off to a hot spring start, belting two homers in his first exhibition game. Leading a powerhouse US lineup that includes four former MVP finalists from 2026, Judge will be nestled in the heart of the order with Kyle Schwarber, Bobby Witt Jr., and Cal Raleigh.
David Bednar
Bednar returns for his second WBC. He’ll team with San Diego Padres closer Mason Miller in the back end of the bullpen to form a strong right-handed duo.
Bednar was traded to the Yankees from the Pittsburgh Pirates on deadline day last season, recording 10 saves in 13 opportunities with a 2.19 ERA after the move.
Paul Goldschmidt
Goldschmidt serves as an elder statesman on Team USA, one of only two players remaining from the 2017 WBC title squad (the other being Alex Bregman). Since many 2017 teammates have since retired, Goldschmidt’s veteran presence and matchup-friendly left-right considerations will be valuable. The right-handed hitter posted a 0.981 OPS against left-handed pitching in 2025 with the Yankees and is expected to function in a platoon role against southpaws while providing clubhouse leadership.
Jazz Chisholm Jr.
Chisholm, who has recently expressed belief in a 50-50 season potential, will serve as co-captain for Team Great Britain alongside Nationals catcher prospect Harry Ford. He’s one of four Bahamians on GB’s roster and carries the most Major League experience of the group, making him a central piece as Great Britain aims to advance beyond pool play for the first time. This marks his first stint with GB since the 2016 WBC qualifiers at age 18.
Chisholm will be joined by Tanner Swanson (major league field coordinator and director of catching) as bench coach and minor league pitcher Brendan Beck.
Camilo Doval
Doval will suit up for the Dominican Republic for his second WBC. In 2023, his tournament debut showcased a powerful fastball and late-inning presence. He will compete for late-inning opportunities with a loaded DR bullpen that includes Seranthony Domínguez and Carlos Estévez.
Amed Rosario
Rosario will be part of the DR squad but is likely to see limited playing time due to competition at second and third base from Junior Caminero, Ketel Marte, and Manny Machado. He may, however, find opportunities in the outfield corners, where his bat could be valuable against right-handed pitching. His most likely path to action would be as a late-inning substitute or occasional defensive option.
Austin Wells
Wells rounds out Yankee representation on the DR roster and will compete for playing time against another former Yankee prospect. Agustín Ramírez (now with Miami) provided power in his rookie season, but Wells is considered the superior defender and could see substantial action as the tournament progresses. Although born in Scottsdale, Arizona, Wells is eligible for the DR because both of his maternal grandparents were born there.
Fernando Cruz
Cruz will work as the setup man for Puerto Rico’s bullpen, backing three-time National League Reliever of the Year Edwin Díaz. This marks his second WBC after appearing in three games and one start in 2023. He’s already appeared three times this spring with three strikeouts to show he’s ready for the big stage.
Elmer Rodríguez
Rodríguez is the standout Yankees prospect slated for Puerto Rico. Alongside Cruz, he helps shore up a pitching staff that lacks established MLB starting experience beyond Seth Lugo of Kansas City. Rodríguez, viewed as the group’s top upside option, pitched three scoreless innings in the Yankees’ spring opener against the Orioles to start his season.
At 22, the right-hander joined the Yankees before 2025 and spent his first season across three levels, posting a 2.58 ERA over 150 innings and earning a spot on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 Prospects list (No. 82).
José Caballero
Caballero is among the higher-profile Puerto Rico lineup members and is expected to earn the Opening Day start at shortstop for the Yankees as well. He’s a versatile utility player who produced a .231/.333/.308 line over 15 plate appearances in pool play during the 2023 tournament.
Brad Ausmus
Ausmus, the Yankees’ current bench coach, will manage Team Israel after previously coaching the squad in 2023 under Ian Kinsler. The two-time big-league manager will also be joined by Yankees pitching prospect Harrison Cohen. Ausmus brings leadership and a coaching pedigree that could influence Israel’s strategic approach and bullpen management. He is also a member of the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.
Note
Ryan Yarbrough was later added to Team USA to replace the injured Joe Ryan after the original article was published.
Final thought
The diverse mix of Yankees veterans and prized prospects across multiple countries highlights how the WBC can amplify a single franchise’s footprint on the global stage, while offering players a valuable platform to showcase leadership, resilience, and versatility beyond MLB play.
