2026 World Baseball Classic predictions: Canada provides sleeper value

Believe it or not, Team USA has won just one of the five World Baseball Classics.Whether it’s because the tournament isn’t taken as seriously in the United States as it is elsewhere, or because it falls in the middle of Spring Training, the Stars and Stripes have struggled to assert their dominance in an event meant to celebrate America’s pastime.That hasn’t stopped bookmakers from installing Team USA at the top of the betting board as an odds-on favorite to win this year’s WBC.

The Americans are -105 to lift the trophy at FanDuel Sportsbook, putting them ahead of three-time champions Japan (+380), the Dominican Republic (+460), and Venezuela (+850).Puerto Rico (19/1) and Mexico (19/1) are the only other countries listed below 60/1 in the 20-team field.At first glance, this does seem pretty straightforward.

Team USA’s roster is loaded, led by Aaron Judge, Cal Raleigh, Bobby Witt Jr., and Paul Skenes, and their draw isn’t daunting.The Americans are -650 to win Pool B, and the stiffest competition on their half of the bracket is Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Canada.They will only have to face one of Japan, the Dominican Republic, and/or Venezuela in the tournament, and it won’t be until the championship in Miami on March 17.It’s all there for the taking for Team USA, and I wouldn’t stand in anybody’s way of betting the Yanks to win it, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some other bets on the board with more upside.The Canadiens profile as an intriguing sleeper.

They’ve got some pop with Josh Naylor, his brother Bo, and Tyler O’Neill, and they’ve got pitching depth.Jameson Taillon, James Paxton, Cal Quantrill, Michael Soroka, and Logan Allen are all expected to play meaningful roles and should give the Canucks a fighting chance in Pool A.That brings me to the real reason why Canada’s worth a hard look at this price: Their path.Placed in Pool A with Puerto Rico, Cuba, Panama, and Colombia, there is every chance for Team Canada to not on...