World Baseball Classic Thriving, MLB Considers Midseason Move

Commissioner Rob Manfred says the tournament could shift from spring training to the middle of the season.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 3:22pm

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The World Baseball Classic has set attendance and viewership records in recent years, leading MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred to say the tournament could be moved to the middle of the season in the future. The WBC has traditionally been played during spring training, but Manfred acknowledged that a midseason tournament would make it easier for top players to participate without restrictions from their MLB teams.

Why it matters

The WBC has grown into a truly global baseball competition, sparking interest in the sport in countries like Italy and providing a platform for MLB's international efforts. Moving the tournament to the middle of the season could further boost its popularity and allow for greater participation from the sport's biggest stars.

The details

This year's WBC drew over 1.6 million fans, a 24% increase from the previous high in 2023. The most-watched game was the U.S. semifinal victory over the Dominican Republic, which drew 7.37 million viewers. Manfred said the WBC has 'gone to a different level' compared to its inception in 2006. However, current spring training scheduling means teams can restrict player participation or impose pitch count limits. A midseason tournament would likely lead to fewer stars declining to play.

  • The 2023 WBC set attendance and viewership records.
  • The 2029 or 2030 WBC could be moved to the middle of the MLB season.

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 star player on the U.S. national team for the 2023 WBC.

Paul Skenes

A star player on the U.S. national team for the 2023 WBC.

Francisco Cervelli

The manager of the Italian national team, which made a surprise run to 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, Commissioner of Major League Baseball

“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, Manager of the U.S. national team

“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, Manager of the Italian national team

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 emerged as a truly global baseball competition, sparking interest in the sport around the world and providing a platform for MLB's international efforts. Moving the tournament to the middle of the MLB season could further boost its popularity and allow for greater participation from the sport's biggest stars.