SAN JUAN — Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Michael Soroka views the World Baseball Classic as an opportunity to push baseball further into the national spotlight back home in Canada.
Diamondbacks pitcher Michael Soroka (34) pitches against the Rangers during a spring training game in Surprise on Feb. 24, 2026. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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On Thursday, during the team’s press conference before the start of the tournament, Soroka said playing for Canada carries added meaning because the sport still competes for attention in a country largely defined by hockey.
“Everybody always sees Canada as hockey,” Soroka said. “I think what the [Toronto] Blue Jays do when they make runs like they did last year, they kind of light a fire in Canadian baseball, and I think a lot of us are looking to continue that and show kids in Canada where it’s come from.”
Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Michael Soroka (34) pitches against the Cleveland Guardians at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale on March 1, 2026. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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The Blue Jays made it all the way to the World Series in 2025, nearly winning it all with the series going to a decisive Game 7. Despite the heartbreaking loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the postseason run added another baseball chapter not only for the city of Toronto, but for all of Canada.
Now, the Arizona pitcher hopes to carry that momentum into the WBC. Soroka has watched from afar as his home country has competed in the Classic, and now he’ll be able to represent Canada on the biggest international baseball stage.
Arizona Diamondbacks pitching coach Brian Kaplan heads to the mound to talk to right-hander Michael Soroka (34) as he pitches against the Cleveland Guardians at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale on March 1, 2026. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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Soroka’s participation will also provide another preview for the Diamondbacks as they evaluate how the right-hander performs in a postseason-like atmosphere against some of the best players in the world. The high-pressure environment can bring out the best in players, and Soroka has the chance to showcase what he can do for Arizona.
Beyond wins and losses, Soroka has one more pressing goal in the tournament — representing the nation he calls home.
“It’s truly an honour to be here playing for this country and a manager like Ernie [Whitt].”
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde