Overview
- Manager Mark DeRosa set the roster at 16 pitchers and 14 position players after opting for a deeper mound group than in 2023.
- The staff features top arms Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal with key support from Logan Webb, Nolan McLean and Joe Ryan.
- DeRosa replaced the third catcher used in 2023 with an additional bulk pitcher, effectively swapping Kyle Higashioka for Michael Wacha.
- Clayton Kershaw, retired after the 2025 season, is slated for lower-leverage work to cover innings during pool play.
- The 20-team tournament runs March 4–17 across Houston, Miami, Tokyo and San Juan, with Japan entering as defending champion and the all-time leader with three titles.