Nola to Italy WBC: MLB Players on 2026 Roster

Philadelphia, December 31, 2025 – Phillies fans, brace yourselves: Aaron Nola, the team’s veteran right-hander, will pitch for Italy in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The announcement, made by Phillies manager Rob Thomson on Wednesday, adds a fascinating wrinkle to Nola’s offseason and Italy’s chances in the tournament.

Italy Bolsters Rotation with MLB Talent

Nola joins Kansas City Royals first baseman Vincent Pasquantino as confirmed MLB players on Team Italy’s roster.

• Italy is looking to build on its strong showing in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, reaching the quarterfinals.
• Nola, 32, provides a potential ace for Italy, though he’s coming off a challenging 2025 season.
• A accomplished WBC performance could be a crucial confidence booster for Nola heading into the 2026 MLB season.
• Ten Phillies players are expected to participate in the 2026 World Baseball classic, representing several countries.

Italy made a splash in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, reaching the quarterfinals before falling to eventual champion Japan in a 9-3 defeat. It was a notable step forward for the Italian squad, which had previously only advanced past the first round once, in 2013.

Did you know? – The World Baseball Classic began in 2006, created to showcase international baseball talent and boost the sport’s global popularity. Italy has consistently been a competitive team in the tournament.

What impact will Nola’s participation have on Italy’s chances in the 2026 World Baseball Classic? His presence instantly elevates Italy’s pitching staff, offering a top-of-the-rotation arm. Though, Nola is looking to rebound after a challenging 2025 campaign.Injuries limited him to 17 starts, and his overall numbers weren’t pretty: a 5-10 record, a 6.01 ERA, a 1.34 WHIP, and 97 strikeouts across 94.1 innings.

Despite the struggles, Nola finished strong, allowing just two hits and one run over eight innings against the Minnesota Twins in his final regular-season start, and pitching two scoreless innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the playoffs.

While teammates Zach Wheeler (in the first half of the season), Cristopher Sánchez, and Jesús Luzardo all enjoyed standout seasons for the Phillies, the team will need Nola to rediscover his form in 2026. Philadelphia lost Ranger Suárez to free agency and faces uncertainty surrounding its pitching depth.Nola’s participation in the WBC is, in part, an opportunity to build momentum and confidence before returning to the Phillies rotation. He’s one of ten players from the Phillies organization reportedly participating in the tournament, joining Brad Keller (USA), Barrett Stubbs (Mexico), Walker (Mexico), and José Alvarado (Dominican Republic), among others.

Pro tip – Pitchers often use the WBC to refine their mechanics and build arm strength during the offseason, preparing them for the demands of a full MLB season.