Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Josh Naylor Makes Admission About USA-Canada World Baseball Classic Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Joey Mistretta | Last updated Mar 12, 2026 9:15 PM ET

Team Canada is set to play in the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals for the first time in the ball club's history. Their opponent? The talented Team USA squad. Team Canada star Josh Naylor recently commented on the upcoming USA-Canada matchup, which is scheduled for Friday night.

"We look forward to kind of anyone, whether it was the US, it didn't really matter," Naylor said on Thursday, via MLB Network. "We were just looking forward to playing baseball, playing hard. Always encouraging each other, playing until the 9th inning, playing until the last out... Try to come out of the day with a win."

Naylor, who plays for the Seattle Mariners in MLB, has led Team Canada to a successful WBC so far. Canada and Puerto Rico both clinched spots in the quarterfinals out of Pool A after going 3-1 in the first round.

It was an impressive performance by Team Canada. They accomplished the feat without some star players such as Freddie Freeman on the roster this year. Having to play the USA will be a challenge, but Team Italy upset Team USA on Tuesday. Anything is possible.

Josh Naylor Leading Team Canada in WBC

Seattle Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor (12)© Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

Naylor has emerged as one of the best first basemen in baseball over the years. He has had an up and down World Baseball Classic, slashing just .250/.368/.250 across four games played. Nevertheless, Naylor's leadership has been crucial.

The 28-year-old was traded to the Seattle Mariners from the Arizona Diamondbacks during the 2025 season. Naylor ended up helping Seattle make a deep postseason run. Although the ball club fell short in the American League Championship Series, Naylor found success.

The infielder previously played with the Cleveland Guardians. Between Cleveland and Seattle, Naylor has hit .288 to go along with a .790 OPS and five home runs in 31 career playoff games. The World Baseball Classic has a playoff feel without question, so Naylor is certainly prepared for the big moments.

Canada will need a big game from Josh Naylor if they want to upset Team USA on Friday night. The USA has not played its best baseball so far, but the talent on the roster is undeniable. Nevertheless, Team Canada is confident heading into the quarterfinals.

First pitch for the USA and Canada World Baseball Classic matchup is scheduled for 8 PM EST on Friday night in Houston.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: