Bader commits to Team Israel for '26 WBC
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MINNEAPOLIS -- Twins outfielder Harrison Bader confirmed Tuesday that he intends to play for Team Israel in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Bader first made the announcement on the Max Mannis Podcast, and discussed his decision with reporters at Target Field on Tuesday prior to the Twins’ game with the White Sox.
“The World Baseball Classic is awesome for so many reasons,” he said, “and just getting an opportunity to represent Israel on the baseball side and wearing that uniform, I think, is special for me and my friends and family and a lot of people I love and support tremendously. I think it’ll be a lot of fun, and I’m planning on it being a great experience.”
Bader, whose father is Jewish, initially intended to play for Israel in the 2023 Classic but was unable to participate due to injury.