AL East: Effects of the 2026 WBC

On the cusp of World Baseball Classic, we asked our PT TOMORROW writers this week to reflect on how the players moving to WBC camps will affect each MLB team (job battles, lineup decisions, extended looks at non-WBC players) over this stretch in March. 

 

Toronto Blue Jays

Significant WBC participants: Ernie Clement (United States), Andrés Giménez (Venezuela), Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Dominican Republic), Leo Jiménez (Panama), Alejandro Kirk (Mexico), Kazuma Okamoto (Japan)

Spring training effects: Toronto will be without its entire starting infield, leaving the door open for any players on the fringes of the team’s Opening Day roster to stake their claim to the team’s last bench spot. Presently, Nathan Lukes is the frontrunner for...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Tomorrow

The Angels may be trading some starting pitchers at the deadline, and George Klassen will be ready to help the team.
Jul 22 2026 3:05am
George Lombard Jr. has returned to health; could a major league call-up be next? Plus, major trade deadline implications as several AL East teams veer towards buyer or seller territory.
Jul 21 2026 3:05am
This week, we discuss the "what if" scenario for teams who will likely be sellers as we approach the trade deadline. We also check in on impending lineup changes in LA and Arizona, as well as playing time competition against RHP in San Diego.
Jul 18 2026 3:06am
Tyler Tolbert tied an MLB record with 12 consecutive hits, but cracking the KC lineup has proved to be a tougher challenge. Plus, a newly-acquired reliever for CHW, a look at the CLE bullpen, Jobe working his way back to DET, and Roden's outlook in MIN.
Jul 16 2026 3:05am

Tools