2023 Israel World Baseball Classic Roster

Team Israel is led by a trio of current big leaguers, including Orioles righthander Dean Kremer and Giants outfielder Joc Pederson. The latter is a two-time all-star and won the World Series with the Dodgers in 2020 and the Braves in 2021.

The squad also boasts current big league catcher Garrett Stubbs, who came up with Houston and hit five home runs for the Phillies in 2022.

Team Israel also features a pair of interesting hitting prospects in Cubs first baseman Matt Mervis, who was one of the minors' biggest breakout stories in 2022, and A's second baseman Zack Gelof, who posted an .815 OPS between Double-A and Triple-A in 2022.

Blue Jays infielder Spencer Horwitz also gives Team Israel some prospect punch. The 25-year-old compiled a .391 on-base percentage and hit a dozen home runs between Double-A New Hampshire and Triple-A Buffalo in 2022.

Japan Uses Pitching Depth To Take Down Team USA In WBC Final

Japan’s pitching depth and talent won out in the end and led to an undefeated championship run.