Three College Baseball Players Who Could Change Their Programs After the 2026 World Baseball Classic
The 2026 World Baseball Classic is bringing three active NCAA Division I players to compete on the international stage before returning to their programs this spring. Columbia pitcher Tomas Lopez, UNC Wilmington catcher Matous Bubenik, and Bethune-Cookman pitcher Justin Morales are representing Brazil, the Czech Republic, and the Netherlands on the World Baseball Classic. Competing alongside MLB stars on the largest international baseball stage, these three college athletes will sharpen their skills in ways a traditional college season cannot replicate. When they return to their programs, each athlete will be a battle-tested competitor ready to carry their team deeper into the postseason. The experience will be a defining point in all three of their college baseball careers.
Columbia right-handed pitcher Lopez has the chance to return to the Ivy League as a power arm after representing Team Brazil in the World Baseball Classic. He has thrown 22 ⅓ innings for the Lions this season, and the experience he is gaining against international lineups will give him valuable experience on the mound. The Ivy League rarely produces players who compete at this level before their college careers are finished, which sets Lopez apart from most players in his conference. If he can carry his World Baseball Classic momentum back to Morningside Heights, the Lions could be an exciting team to watch as the NCAA Division I Baseball Tournament approaches, similar to other conference breakthrough teams building toward postseason runs this season. Lopez's future goes beyond college baseball, as scouts will have the chance to evaluate him on the world stage.
UNC Wilmington freshman catcher Bubenik is only at the beginning of his remarkable college career, and competing in the World Baseball Classic this early already adds major experience to his resume. Born in Prague and trained at the P27 Academy in Lexington, South Carolina, the UNC Wilmington catcher earned his spot on the Czech Republic roster after impressing coaches during his performance in South Korea last November. He will serve as a backup to veteran catcher Martin Cervenka, allowing him to learn from a professional playing at the highest level of international play. The Seahawks are known for developing strong talent, and Bubenik’s experience in the tournament could accelerate his development beyond what a typical college season provides. By the time conference play approaches, the UNC Wilmington catcher has the potential to be one of the most recognizable freshmen in the Coastal Athletic Association.
Bethune-Cookman junior right-handed pitcher Justin Morales rounds out the group of three college athletes, and his return after representing the Netherlands could give a final push towards the NCAA Division I Baseball Tournament for the Wildcats. Morales has posted a 3.00 ERA with five strikeouts in six innings this season and already owns a save against South Florida, showing he can perform under pressure when it matters most. Born in Oranjestad, Aruba, Morales previously performed in front of a sold-out crowd in China at 19 years old, so the World Baseball Classic is nothing new for his competitive mindset. Bethune-Cookman has been building momentum early this season, and Morales' international experience could add another layer of confidence to the pitching staff. As power programs across the nation continue to build toward Omaha, Morales and the Wildcats could quietly emerge as a team to watch.
