Brice Turang Joins Team USA For 2026 World Baseball Classic

[Jason Wang]

Perhaps superstar is a bit much, but it's undeniable that Brice Turang has been one of the best second basemen in baseball over the past two years. In 2025, he posted a 124 wRC+ and accumulated 4.4 fWAR, both marks placing him fourth amongst all second basemen. Although his defensive prowess took a step back last season, it has only been a year since he was the National League's Platinum Glove award winner.

Turang joins a growing list of exceptional baseball talent and was part of the latest batch of players to officially join the team, along with Kyle Schwarber, Gunnar Henderson, and Will Smith. The roster and depth chart are far from complete, but there's a solid chance that Turang ends up as the starting second baseman for all, if not most, of the tournament. He could split time with Nico Hoerner if he ends up participating as well, but Brewers fans can expect to see plenty of Turang on the international stage regardless.

It's a well-deserved honor for the 26-year-old and also begs the question, what other Brewers will be participating in the World Baseball Classic? Freddy Peralta hasn't officially announced his commitment, but has expressed a strong desire to represent the Dominican Republic. Neither William Contreras nor Jackson Chourio played for Venezuela in 2023, but they could be key parts of their lineup in 2026. Sal Frelick competed for Italy but hasn't confirmed his return to the team.

One of the biggest struggles for teams in the past has been assembling a quality pitching staff, as the best arms are typically still ramping up when the tournament starts in early March. So far, Paul Skenes is the only pitcher who has decided to play for Team USA, and depending on the willingness of other top names like Tarik Skubal and Garrett Crochet to join him, the Brewers could send a few of their own. Quinn Priester and Jacob Misiorowski would be the top two candidates, but Chad Patrick or Tobias Myers could provide some solid value as well. 

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[markedman5]

 

[long ball]

This is really cool. Good for Turang. 

[Ro Mueller]

 

[Ro Mueller]

Freddy Peralta for the Dominican Republic: 

 

[Ro Mueller]

Tyler Black is on Team Canada: 

 

[Ro Mueller]

RHP Carlos Rodriguez will also play for Nicaragua: 

 

[Brewcrew82]

Not officially confirmed, but Jackson Chourio reportedly set to play for Venezuela. 

 

[Turning2]

Have never watched this exhibition. I get the novelty, but it sure seems like a great way to get a key player injured prior to the MLB games that matter. Why would MLB franchises expose themselves to such a risk, especially small market teams? Do the Brewers get paid for allowing Turang to participate? 

[Frisbee Slider]

1 hour ago, Turning2 said:

Why would MLB franchises expose themselves to such a risk, especially small market teams?

Players injured during WBC have their salary paid for by separate insurance policy.

https://www.nbcsportsphiladelphia.com/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/what-happens-to-mlb-contract-if-player-gets-injured-during-wbc/271425/

[Turning2]

13 hours ago, Frisbee Slider said:

Players injured during WBC have their salary paid for by separate insurance policy.

https://www.nbcsportsphiladelphia.com/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/what-happens-to-mlb-contract-if-player-gets-injured-during-wbc/271425/

The liability for the player salary is covered.  But I wonder about the franchise losing potentially a year of player’s service. That negatively impacts their bottom line from possible loss of revenues. Maybe they take out an insurance policy too. The event promotes the league. Just seems like an unnecessary risk for star players. 

[Ro Mueller]

Stiven Cruz gives us a 3rd Brewer on Team Nicaragua: 

 

[Ro Mueller]

As expected, stud outfielder Jackson Chourio will represent Venezuela: 

 

[Brewcrew82]

 

[Ro Mueller]

Joey Ortiz will suit up for Mexico: 

 

[Ro Mueller]

Rob Zastryzny has previously been mentioned for Canada: