MLB Considers Moving World Baseball Classic to Midseason

Commissioner Rob Manfred says the tournament could be played during the regular season to increase player participation.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 11:48pm

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The World Baseball Classic (WBC) has set attendance and viewership records in recent years, leading MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred to say the league is considering moving the tournament to the midseason rather than during spring training. Manfred cited the potential to have more star players participate if the WBC was held during the regular season, rather than when teams are more protective of their players during spring training.

Why it matters

The WBC has struggled with player participation in the past, as teams often restrict their top players from competing in the tournament during spring training. Moving the event to the middle of the MLB season could lead to increased star power and global interest in the tournament, further establishing it as a premier international baseball competition.

The details

The 2023 WBC set attendance and viewership records, drawing over 1.6 million fans and peaking at 7.37 million viewers for the U.S. vs. Dominican Republic semifinal. Manfred said the tournament has "gone to a different level" compared to its inception in 2006. However, teams have been able to limit player participation during spring training, leading to the potential midseason move. Manfred said a midseason WBC would likely see fewer "nos" from players and teams.

  • The 2023 WBC set attendance and viewership records.
  • The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics could impact the timing of the next WBC, as MLB and the players' association are negotiating player participation in the Olympic baseball tournament.
  • Manfred said the next WBC could be held in 2029 or 2030.

The players

Rob Manfred

The commissioner of Major League Baseball.

Aaron Judge

The captain of the U.S. national team for the 2023 WBC.

Bryce Harper

A member of the U.S. national team for the 2023 WBC.

Paul Skenes

A member of the U.S. national team for the 2023 WBC.

Francisco Cervelli

The manager of the Italian national team, which reached the semifinals of the 2023 WBC.

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What they’re saying

“The WBC is kind of a springboard for the rest of our international efforts. It gives you kind of a cornerstone to work from in terms of making long-term business relationships with sponsors, broadcasters and whatnot.”

— Rob Manfred, MLB Commissioner

“Certainly if it was moved to the middle of the season, I don't think you would have any nos for competing in it.”

— Mark DeRosa, U.S. national team manager

“I just told the guys that they are the champions of this tournament. They revolutionized Italy. They put another sport on the map.”

— Francisco Cervelli, Italy national team manager

What’s next

MLB and the players' association are negotiating over having big leaguers participate in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, which could impact the timing of the next World Baseball Classic.

The takeaway

The World Baseball Classic has grown into a premier international baseball tournament, setting new attendance and viewership records. Moving the event to the middle of the MLB season could lead to increased star player participation and further establish the WBC as a global baseball showcase.