ORLANDO, Fla. -- Pitchers and catchers are reporting extra early this Spring Training to account for those who will be participating in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. And for the Mariners, that group could be up to a dozen, though only Cal Raleigh had officially confirmed before Tuesday, when Randy Arozarena also joined.
Seattle could be one of the sport’s most well-represented teams at the premier international event, with star power throughout a roster that will arrive in Arizona looking to defend its American League West title.
Attention turned towards the group of possible participants on Tuesday at the Winter Meetings, where the WBC held a media day among each country’s managers and general managers. Among Mariners who were discussed as potential candidates by that group include:
• LF Randy Arozarena, Mexico (official)
• INF/OF Michael Arroyo (No. 5 prospect), Colombia
• RHP Eduard Bazardo, Venezuela
• RHP Matt Brash, Canada
• RHP/LHP Jurrangelo Cijntje (No. 7 prospect), Netherlands
• RHP Andrés Muñoz, Mexico
• 1B Josh Naylor, Canada
• C Cal Raleigh, USA (official)
• CF Julio Rodríguez, Dominican Republic
Additionally, a handful of Mariners coaches are also expected to take part:
• Director of hitting strategy Edgar Martinez, Puerto Rico
• Assistant hitting coach Bobby Magallanes, Mexico
• Bullpen catcher Fleming Báez, Dominican Republic
Player participation is still in the vetting phase, as most remain in the process of coordinating with their agents, clubs, the MLB Players Association and the league itself. But those conversations are well underway.
“We're super supportive of the event,” Mariners general manager Justin Hollander said. “I think it's a great event. As long as the guys are prepared to go play, we just want to make sure that over the winter, they're doing the things they need to do to get ready roughly a month early.”
WBC pitchers and catchers are tentatively slated to report to Spring Training on Feb. 9, a full week before non-WBC position players are slated to report.
In years past, the Mariners have had trepidation about allowing pitchers to take part -- given the incredibly short ramp-up to the high-intensity event. They preferred Luis Castillo not to compete for Team Dominican Republic in 2023 after just signing a five-year, $108 million contract extension, or Muñoz to play for Team Mexico, as he was coming off offseason foot/ankle surgery. They did permit Brash to play for Team Canada with the caveat that he would permanently assume the relief role he’d transitioned to the year prior.
“Just like 30 teams, when your pitchers walk out the door, you're like, 'Ah,’” Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto said. “But again, we encourage it, advocate for it. They're great opportunities.”
Muñoz has repeatedly expressed interest for 2026 and is currently on Team Mexico’s tentative roster, said GM Rodrigo Lopez, who added that he thought of Muñoz after they were eliminated by Team Japan on a walk-off in the ‘23 semifinals.
“Could you imagine us having him to pitch in that last inning against Japan?” Lopez said. ‘It would be a different story. Our bullpen is very solid compared to last time, and he’s the big key to it.”
Muñoz could be one of four Mariners pitchers to depart. The most intriguing of these is Cijntje, who is eligible to play for Team Netherlands. Cijntje had a fascinating first season in pro ball, but one that necessitated consistent adjustments to his routine given his wildly unique situation of having to care for both arms.
“He’s on the top of our wish list,” Netherlands delegation head Peter Kwakernaak said. “He’s one of these guys that we say see a big future in, and it would be great if in the Classic this could be the steppingstone for him to something. There’s always chance and risks that are associated, but we will take super good care of him.”
Bazardo has also soared onto Team Venezuela’s radar following a breakout season, one in which he pitched a career-high 78 2/3 innings.
“He’s a very cold-blooded guy,” said manager Omar López, who has been on the Astros’ coaching staff since 2020. “He doesn’t panic. He always goes up there and knows what he’s doing. That’s what I want.”
Team Canada GM Greg Hamilton and manager Ernie Whitt said that they are both anticipating Naylor and Brash among their group. Brash was their closer in 2023. Naylor didn’t participate due to an ankle injury, though he was on the team in 2017 as a prospect. In a fun aside, Whitt said that they are lobbying former Mariners workhorse James Paxton to come out of retirement.
As for position players, Rodríguez was an instrumental piece for Team Dominican Republic in 2023 and has expressed interest in running it back. Former Mariners slugger Nelson Cruz, who’s now general manager of Team Dominican Republic, said that he’s been in regular contact with Seattle’s star center fielder.
“He’s now a leader,” Cruz said. "It will be his second time, and even at the young age of 25. He’s interested. And we would love to have him.”
Arroyo led Team Colombia to a WBC berth in the qualifiers last March, and as such, will likely be invited to reprise his role.