How many future Hall of Famers are playing in the 2026 WBC? The 2026 World Baseball Classic will feature a star-studded lineup of players who are already being discussed as potential Hall of Fame inductees. While some iconic names from past tournaments are absent, the competition includes a mix of current legends and rising stars. The event will serve as a stage for players who have already made their mark in the sport and are now poised to join baseball’s most revered ranks. Among the notable absences are Freddie Freeman, who opted out of the tournament after previously representing Canada, and Francisco Lindor and Carlos Correa, who were unable to secure injury insurance. Lindor’s injury to his hamate bone further complicated Puerto Rico’s roster, leaving a gap in their lineup. Meanwhile, the United States team has added exciting first-time participants like Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper, both of whom are already being considered for Cooperstown. The tournament will see several players who are already on the short list for the Hall of Fame. These athletes are categorized into tiers based on their likelihood of induction, with Tier 1 players being the most certain to be enshrined. Clayton Kershaw, now retired from the Los Angeles Dodgers, will make his WBC debut, though his role is expected to be ceremonial. Shohei Ohtani, though not yet eligible for the Hall of Fame, is a lock due to his historic achievements, including four MVP Awards. Aaron Judge, the New York Yankees’ star, is already being discussed as a future Hall of Famer. Despite starting his career later and facing injuries, his high WAR numbers and consistent performance have solidified his place among the elite. Manny Machado, representing the Dominican Republic, has accumulated over 61.#world_baseball_classic #freddie_freeman #francisco_lindor #carlos_correa #clayton_kershaw
