With the 2025 MLB season in the rearview, more commitments for the 2026 World Baseball Classic are beginning to come in droves. The Los Angeles Dodgers have their first representative on Team USA, with Will Smith being named to the roster on Tuesday.
In the last WBC which took place in 2023, Smith and Mookie Betts were the two representatives sent by the Dodgers. Clayton Kershaw was also initially a part of Team USA’s roster, but he had to back out at the last minute.
There is no word yet on whether Betts will be alongside Smith in 2026. Team USA already has its starting shortstop in Kansas City Royals superstar Bobby Witt Jr., but they could always make room for Betts in the outfield if he wishes to participate.
Meanwhile, there is confirmation that Team USA manager Mark DeRosa and general manager Michael Hill are considering adding a different Dodgers player to the roster. According to Jack Harris of the L.A. Times, Alex Vesia is in contention for a spot in the bullpen on the United States roster:
One interesting note from today's WBC press availability: Alex Vesia is under consideration for a potential Team USA roster spot, per manager Mark DeRosa and GM Michael Hill
Hill, who noted he drafted Vesia in the 17th round as Marlins POBO in 2018, said:
"We want our best.…
— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) December 9, 2025
At the moment, Paul Skenes, Matthew Boyd and Garrett Whitlock are the only three pitchers committed to Team USA. WBC rules dictate that teams need a minimum of 14 pitchers on their final roster.
If selected, Vesia would give Team USA a high-leverage, left-handed option out of the bullpen. He enjoyed an excellent 2024 season but regressed in this year, like much of the Dodgers’ bullpen as a whole.
However, Vesia still managed to post a 3.02 ERA with 80 strikeouts in 59.2 innings of work. Additionally, Vesia has been one of the better left-handed relievers for his career. Of his five full seasons in the Majors, he has posted an ERA lower than 2.25 three times while averaging around 53 innings.
Blue Jays paid respects to Alex Vesia & wife
Vesia didn’t participate in the World Series due to the tragic passing of his daughter, which was revealed after the fact. Up until Vesia and his wife Kayla posted on Instagram, the Dodgers had only said their key lefty was away because of a serious personal matter.
Blue Jays relief pitchers showed their support of the Vesia family by wearing No. 51 on their caps.
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