Harrison Bader Joins Team Israel for 2026 WBC

Minnesota Twins outfielder Harrison Bader announced on The Max Mannis Podcast that he will represent Team Israel in the 2026 World Baseball Classic after missing the 2023 tournament due to injury. Bader, whose father is Jewish, expressed excitement about the opportunity, calling it special for himself and his family and affirming his commitment to remain healthy for the event. He discussed the significance of representing Israel and showed support for recruiting other Jewish MLB players to join the team. Bader’s announcement has sparked a mix of reactions among fans, with some expressing disapproval due to ongoing political tensions involving Israel. Team Israel, which struggled in the 2023 WBC, will compete in Pool D in the 2026 edition alongside strong teams like Venezuela and the Dominican Republic. The news comes as other MLB stars also declare their intentions for the upcoming tournament, building anticipation for the next WBC.