As Italy prepares to open the 2026 World Baseball Classic against Brazil on Saturday, March 7, here are some interesting notes, storylines, and connections surrounding the Azzurri. With 21 players tied to MLB or Minor League organizations, Italy has the fourth-most affiliated players in the entire tournament. Only the United States (30), Dominican Republic (29), and Venezuela (25) have more.
Philadelphia Phillies All-Star right-hander Aaron Nola will appear in his first World Baseball Classic, joining a Team Italy roster that also features rising Kansas City stars Vinnie Pasquantino and Jac Caglianone. Nola pitched at LSU under Paul Mainieri, now the head coach at South Carolina, who was honored two years ago with the Italian American Baseball Foundation Collegiate Award.
