We have officially made it. After months and months of build-up and anticipation, the 2026 World Baseball Classic is officially upon us. After an all-time tournament the last time it was held that included a legendary performance by Shohei Ohtani, this year's edition should have its own fireworks as well.
There are lots of talented players set to take on larger roles this year for their respective teams, with some youngsters settling into featured roles. One example was Junior Caminero, who was gifted the #13 jersey for the Dominican Republic by veteran team leader Manny Machado, which was a sign of ultimate respect between the two third basemen. Caminero responded by homering and going back-to-back with Machado in yesterday's exhibition game against the Detroit Tigers, not a bad first impression.
But as the tournament relates to the Washington Nationals, one of their newest additions in the form of catcher Harry Ford, is now set to take on the big stage with team Great Britain again this year. Ford was one of the breakout stars from the most recent WBC, and he is now firmly in a starring role for them this time around.
Although every team is just playing exhibitions right now before the tournament officially kicks off, Ford made a fantastic first impression for the 2026 tournament on Tuesday. He finished the game 3/5 with a 2-run homer, and is giving Nationals fans a potential preview of what they can expect when they see him play on a big stage.
While we have yet to see Ford get a chance to play every day as he tries to cement his role on the 2026 Nationals, seeing him perform well on a big stage like the World Baseball Classic repeatedly has to at least provide a lot of hope and optimism for Nationals fans.
Of course, he still has to beat out the incumbent trio of Keibert Ruiz, Riley Adams, and Drew Millas, but this should help his overall case. Some guys just come alive when the lights shine the brightest, and Ford seems like one of those players just based on the early sample size. That alone should make the Nationals excited just based on the fact that Ford should be a staple of the team by the time the Nationals are competing again, and he might just have some big moments up his sleeve in the playoffs.
Will you be following Harry Ford along as he plays for Team Great Britain in the 2026 World Baseball Classic? As always, please let me know on X, @DCBerk.