The 2026 World Baseball Classic is underway, the sixth iteration of the game's premier international tournament.
Three-time winner Japan looks to defend its title and was picked by four of the USA TODAY Network's nine experts to claim the championship again, with Team USA and the Dominican Republic also receiving support.
This year's American team is widely considered the country's most talented group since the inaugural WBC back in 2006. Three-time MVP Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees captains Team USA with reigning Cy Young winners Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal anchoring the pitching staff.
The championship game is set for March 17 at LoanDepot Park in Miami.
Here's how USA TODAY's team of baseball reporters and editors see the tournament shaking out:
