Among the Los Angeles Dodgers players who won the World Series, two represented Team USA in the 2023 World Baseball Classic — helping the team reach the final — and one of them has now expressed interest in returning for the 2026 tournament.
That player is Dodgers catcher Will Smith, who recently said he’d love another shot at helping Team USA the same way he did in the last edition of the World Baseball Classic, which he also described as an enjoyable experience.
“Oh yeah I would love to,” Smith told Doug McKain. “I had such a fun time last time competing. So I would love to do it again.” During the WBC, Smith contributed a .200 average with 2 hits, 3 runs scored, and 1 home run.
How many Dodgers played in the last World Baseball Classic?
In addition to Smith, Mookie Betts also represented the Dodgers in the tournament. Betts played a key role for Team USA, posting a .313 batting average across 7 games. He recorded 10 hits — one of only two players on the team to reach double digits, alongside Nolan Arenado. While Betts didn’t hit a home run, he led Team USA in at-bats with 32.
Will Smith #16 of Team USA practices ahead of the World Baseball Classic at Papago Park Sports Complex on March 07, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Could more Dodgers join the next WBC?
It’s very possible, though that decision will be up to the coaching staff. In 2023, Team USA’s roster featured players from several MLB teams. The Dodgers were fortunate to have two representatives, but the Cardinals had the most with four: Miles Mikolas, Adam Wainwright, Nolan Arenado, and Paul Goldschmidt.
It’s worth noting that in 2022, the Houston Astros won the World Series but had just two players (Ryan Pressly and Kyle Tucker) on Team USA. The Phillies, who lost that World Series, had three players on the WBC roster — Kyle Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto, and Trea Turner.
