Which Players From The Milwaukee Brewers Are Playing In 2023 World Baseball Classic?

As the countdown to the 2023 World Baseball Classic rapidly runs down, teams have finalized their rosters. The World Baseball Classic is an international baseball tournament that dates back to 2006.

This year, 20 countries will be represented in March's contest. Among those representing their country in this year's Classic are 14 current members of the Brewers organization and a host of former Brewers.

Current Brewers In The 2023 World Baseball Classic

Team USA - Devin Williams was the first pitcher to commit to Team USA back in October. He is the only Brewer on the star-studded lineup full of Major Leaguers as Team USA sets off to defend their 2017 WBC title.

Team Canada - Abraham Toro, an off-season infield depth acquisition, will play for our neighbors to the North, Team Canada.

Team Mexico - Luis Urías and Rowdy Tellez will both represent Team Mexico. Tellez was eligible to represent the USA, Mexico, or Israel based on his parents' heritage and his place of birth, but chose Team Mexico. Urías is from the Mexican state of Sonora. Despite rumors before the final rosters came out that Tyrone Taylor would be joining Tellez and Urías, he will not be participating in this year's Classic.

Team Dominican Republic - A last-minute addition to the lineup for the Dominican Republic, star Brewers shortstop Willy Adames will join an explosive lineup consisting of Julio Rodriguez, Vladimir Guerrero, Jr., Rafael Devers, and others.

Joel Payamps, who the Crew acquired in the deal for William Contreras in December, is also on the roster. Payamps, a right-handed relief pitcher, came to the Crew from the Oakland A's. Freddy Peralta had also expressed interest in playing for the Dominican Republic but has elected to pass on the opportunity to focus on staying healthy after his 2022 season was hampered by a shoulder injury.

Team Italy - Sal Frelick, the Brewers' Number 2 prospect, has committed to play for Team Italy. This will be a great opportunity for the outfielder to play before a potential 2023 call-up to the big leagues. He will be joined by fellow prospect Michele Vassalotti, who played for the Carolina Mudcats this past season.

Team Nicaragua - Carlos Rodriguez, a 2021 draft pick for the Crew, will pitch for Nicaragua. He was the Brewers 2022 Minor League Pitcher of the Year after a breakout campaign in Low-A Carolina and High-A Wisconsin.

Team Puerto Rico - Alex Claudio, who returns to the Brewers this season for a second stint via a minor league contract, will pitch for Puerto Rico.

Team Panama - Panama will feature a pair of Brewers pitchers: Javy Guerra and Matt Hardy. Guerra was acquired in a trade with the Rays this offseason while Hardy has been a Brewers farmhand and spent last season in Triple-A Nashville in the bullpen.

Team Israel - Robert Stock, who just signed a minor league contract with the Crew, will be suiting up to represent Israel in the WBC. Stock is a pitcher who is returning to MLB from the Korean Baseball League. Team Israel, who finished 6th in the latest WBC, also boasts All-Star Joc Pederson and Gold Glove winner Harrison Bader.

Team Australia - Catcher Alex Hall will play for Team Australia. He made headlines after being called up to Milwaukee all the way from the Brewers' High-A Affiliate, the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Since the end of the 2022 Minor League Season, Hall has played in the Australian Baseball League for the Perth Heat.

Former Brewers

John Axford, who returned to the Brewers in 2021 before suffering a season-ending right elbow injury, plans to play in the WBC for his return to— and probably final bow from— professional baseball. Axford will join new Brewer Abraham Toro.

Jean Segura (Miami Marlins) will represent the DR in the infield, alongside current Brewers Adames and Payamps. Segura is no stranger to the WBC, having played in 2017. Wei-Chung Wang, a former disastrous Rule 5 selection, will pitch for Chinese Taipei. Jonathan Schoop will play for Team Netherlands.

After the World Baseball Classic concludes on March 21, MLB players will rejoin their teams to prepare for Opening Day on March 30. For the Brewers, some of their biggest names will have to make the switch from competing against each other to bring their countries glory to playing alongside each other with Brew City across their chest in just a matter of days.