If they weren't already planning on tuning in, then New York Yankees fans have at least one new reason to watch the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
According to MLB.com's Bryan Hoch, four-time World Series champion and former Yankees fan favorite catcher Jorge Posada has joined Team Italy's coaching staff for the tournament.
Italy's manager is Posada's ex-teammate and former backup catcher, Francisco Cervelli. Posada was born in Puerto Rico and does not need Italian heritage to join Cervelli's coaching staff.
Team Italy's roster so far
Former Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo retired from Major League Baseball but has received an invite to play in the WBC for Italy. Rizzo has yet to announce his decision.
Yankee shortstop Anthony Volpe has Italian heritage, but he will not play in the tournament, recovering from offseason shoulder surgery.
A few of Italy's confirmed players for the upcoming WBC include Vinnie Pasquantino and Jac Caglianone from the Kansas City Royals. Bruce Levine of Marquee Sports Network and Baseball Digest reported last week that Chicago White Sox catcher Kyle Teel is also a possibility.
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- Red Sox are paying Manny Ramirez same 2026 salary as Dodgers are paying Shohei Ohtani
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- MLB looking at realignment into East-West arrangement
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