Israel’s World Baseball Classic roster is stacked with American major leaguers connecting with their Jewish heritage. In a tough group, they are still underdogs.
For the first time, Cuba will allow some M.L.B. players to represent the team internationally. But many of the country’s biggest stars were left out, or declined their invitations.
It has been six years since baseball’s superstars faced off in the sport’s version of a World Cup. The U.S., Japan, the Dominican Republic and others are top contenders.