Main Photo Credits: Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports

Mets Manager Delivers Message to WBC-Bound Players

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Aaron Shamilov | Last updated Mar 1, 2026 12:30 AM ET

The World Baseball Classic, which begins on March 5, will feature 16 New York Mets players across the tournament’s 20 teams. It ties the 2009 and 2023 Mets teams, which also rostered 16 players in the WBC.

With all 16 preparing to depart for the tournament, the organization’s message has been clear: compete, but be cautious. After watching closer Edwin Díaz suffer a season-ending torn patellar tendon in his right knee during the 2023 tournament, the club understands firsthand how quickly things can change on the international stage. While the Mets fully support their players representing their countries, there’s an added emphasis this time around on staying healthy and avoiding unnecessary risks.

“Basically, it’s just, be smart but also enjoy it,” manager Carlos Mendoza said when asked what the conversations he had with those players looked like.

Mets Players Participating in WBC

Here is the full list of Mets players set to participate in the 2026 World Baseball Classic:

Nolan McLean (USA)
Clay Holmes (USA)
Mark Vientos (Nicaragua)
Alex Carrillo (Mexico)
Daniel Duarte (Mexico)
Jamdrick Cornelia (Netherlands)
Juan Soto (Dominican Republic)
Huascar Brazobán (Dominican Republic)
Josh Blum (Israel)
Ben Simon (Israel)
Robert Stock (Israel)
Jordan Geber (Israel)
Carlos Guzman (Venezuela)
José Ramos (Panama)
Jared Young (Canada)
Nick Morabito (Italy)

Mets minor league left-hander Daviel Hurtado was initially set to participate in the tournament for Team Cuba, but the 21-year-old was replaced recently due to an oblique injury, a source said. Francys Romero of BeisbolFR was the first to report the news.

Notable former Mets participating in the WBC include Harrison Bader (Israel), Edwin Díaz (Puerto Rico), Andrés Giménez (Venezuela), Amed Rosario (Dominican Republic), Luis Severino (Dominican Republic), Gregory Soto (Dominican Republic), and Taijuan Walker (Mexico).

Francisco Lindor and former Met Javier Báez were planning to play with Team Puerto Rico for a third consecutive WBC, but Lindor was one of several players to face insurance issues, while Báez was ineligible because he tested positive for marijuana use during the 2023 WBC.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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