Phillies starter Aaron Nola to pitch for Team Italy in 2026 World Baseball Classic

CHERRY HILL, N.J. — Veteran right-hander Aaron Nola will represent Italy in the upcoming 2026 World Baseball Classic, Phillies manager Rob Thomson announced on Wednesday night at the annual Philadelphia Sports Writers Association banquet at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Cherry Hill, N.J.

Nola, 32, was born and raised in the United States but has Italian heritage. He had a 6.01 ERA in 17 starts in 2025 as he struggled with ineffectiveness and injury, but Nola largely has a long track record of success since making his big-league debut in 2015. He could potentially take the mound for Italy when it begins tournament play against Brazil on March 7 at Houston’s Daikin Park.

“Aaron Nola is going to pitch for Team Italy in the WBC,” Thomson said, “so he’s going to get a head start. He’s going to have a bounce-back year.”

Nola is now the ninth Phillie to commit to the WBC. Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper and Brad Keller are set to represent the United States. Edmundo Sosa will play for Panama. Garrett Stubbs will play for Israel. Taijuan Walker and Alan Rangel will pitch for Mexico. Johan Rojas will play for the Dominican Republic.

Thomson was on hand for the PSWA event to accept the organization’s Good Guy Award. Phillies left-hander Cristopher Sánchez, who would like to pitch in the WBC but is still awaiting approval from the team, received the Professional Athlete of the Year Award after finishing as the runner-up for the National League Cy Young Award.

In his speech, Thomson expressed confidence in Philadelphia’s chance to compete for a World Series in 2026. He said he’ll be heading to the Phillies’ training complex in Clearwater, Fla., next week to starting preparing for spring training and the year ahead.

“I’m really excited to get going,” Thomson said. “I really am. And I can tell you this: We will not stop until we win a world championship. Our commitment to winning, our commitment to excellence and commitment to win world championships — not just next year, but for many years to come after I’m gone — it’s there and will always be there. I can assure you of that.”