While Team Canada has not had much success in the history of the World Baseball Classic, the country is coming along as a baseball power. So, how will Canada will look this time around? Here’s a breakdown of what pitchers and position players will be a part of Team Canada in 2023.
Related: A Look at Team Great Britain in the 2023 World Baseball Classic
Pitchers
- Andrew Albers
- Phillipe Aumont
- John Axford
- Matt Brash
- Mitch Bratt
- Trevor Brigden
- Indigo Diaz
- R.J Freure
- Adam Loewen
- Scott Mathieson
- Nick Pivetta*
- Cal Quantrill
- Evan Rutckyj
- Noah Skirrow
- Cade Smith
- Curtis Taylor
- Rob Zastryzny
Team Canada’s roster includes a number of notable veterans for the country, including former Oriole Adam Loewen, Scott Mathieson, Andrew Albers, and Phillipe Aumont. Canada’s pitching staff is also set to feature Mariners youngster Matt Brash, as well as starters Nick Pivetta and Cal Quantrill. Pivetta won ten games and struck out 175 over 179.2 IP in 2022, while Quantrill won 15 games for the Guardians a year ago.
There will be some absent names, though, from the Team Canada pitching staff. RHP Jameson Taillon, who pitched for Canada in 2013 WBC, won’t be a part of the team. Nor will Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano, who committed to play for Team Italy before pulling out of the tournament altogether before Spring Training.
Position Players
- Owen Cassie (OF)
- Denzel Clarke (OF)
- Kellin Deglan (C)
- Freddie Freeman (INF)
- Edouard Julien (INF)
- Otto Lopez (INF)
- Bo Naylor (C)
- Tyler O’Neill (OF)
- Damiano Palmegiani (INF)
- Jacob Robson (OF)
- Abraham Toro (INF)
- Andy Yerzy (INF)
- Jared Young (OF)
The crown jewel of Team Canada is Dodgers star Freddie Freeman. Freeman is set to to be joined by a couple of Major Leaguers in new Brewers infielder Abraham Toro and Tyler O’Neill. O’Neill failed to replicate a strong 2021 season last year in St. Louis. One year after hitting 34 home runs for the Cardinals, O’Neill hit .228/.308/.392 with 14 home runs and 26 extra base hits in 96 games.
Canada’s roster will also a couple of interesting prospects in Bo Naylor and Edouard Julien. While Josh Naylor won’t be on Canada, brother Bo will look to be a steady Prescence behind the plate. Julien, meanwhile, is one of the better power hitters in the Twins farm system. The Quebec native hit .300/.441/.490 with 17 home runs and 39 extra base hits over 113 games in Wichita (AA).
UPDATE (2/23): Nick Pivetta will not pitch for Team Canada in the WBC.
