Although no players in the 2026 World Baseball Classic were born in Mississippi, the Magnolia State’s college baseball programs, especially Mississippi State and Ole Miss, have notable representation in this year’s tournament. Four former SEC standouts with deep Mississippi roots are playing for international teams, illustrating how the state’s baseball pipeline extends far beyond the college diamond and into baseball’s premier global event.
Team Canada
Eric Cerantola (RHP) — Mississippi State
WBC Team: Canada
College: Mississippi State (2019-21)
Hometown: Oakville, Ontario
MLB Draft: 2021 Round 5 Kansas City
2025 Teams: Omaha (AAA)
2025 Stats: 2–2, 4.04 ERA, 49.0 IP, 63 SO, 1.31 WHIP (38 appearances/1 start)
Eric Cerantola represents Team Canada in the 2026 World Baseball Classic after developing into a power arm at Mississippi State (2019-21). The 6-foot-5 right-hander showed big strikeout stuff in Starkville before being drafted by the Kansas City Royals. In 2025, he pitched in the Royals’ upper minor league system, posting a 4.04 ERA with 63 strikeouts in 49 innings, continuing to profile as a high-leverage bullpen option. Cerantola’s size and swing-and-miss arsenal make him a valuable short-tournament weapon for Canada.
Jacob Robson (OF) — Mississippi State
WBC Team: Canada
College: Mississippi State (2013-16)
Hometown: Windsor, Ontario
MLB Draft: 2016 Round 8 Detroit
MLB Experience: Detroit Tigers (2021)
2025 Teams: Winnipeg (Ind)
2025 Stats: 257/.340/.457, 14 HR, 52 RBI, 30 SB (94 appearances)
Jacob Robson, an outfielder for Team Canada, played collegiately at Mississippi State from 2014–2016, where he became known for his speed and defensive versatility. After reaching the majors briefly with the Detroit Tigers earlier in his career, Robson spent 2025 with the Winnipeg Goldeyes, hitting .257 with 14 home runs and 30 stolen bases. At Mississippi State, he was a spark-plug leadoff type who consistently pressured defenses. His blend of experience, speed, and contact ability fits well in international play.
Team Italy
Dylan DeLucia — RHP — Ole Miss
WBC Team: Italy
College: Northwest Florida State College (2020-21); Ole Miss (2022)
Hometown: New Smyrma Beach, FL
MLB Draft: 2022 Round 6
2025 Teams: Lake County (A+) Akron (AA)
2025 Stats: 7-7, 3.57 ERA, 108.1 innings pitched, 106 strikeouts, 1.14 WHIP (24 Appearances/22 Starts)
Dylan DeLucia, who represents Team Italy in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, cemented his legacy in Mississippi baseball history as the 2022 College World Series Most Outstanding Player at Ole Miss. During his lone season in Oxford after transferring from Northwest Florida State College in Niceville, DeLucia became the Rebels’ postseason ace, delivering clutch performances that powered Ole Miss to its first national championship. His dominance in Omaha, including a decisive start in the championship series, earned him CWS MVP honors and made him a fan favorite in Oxford. In 2025, he pitched at Double-A Akron in the Cleveland Guardians organization, posting a 3.57 ERA over 108.1 innings. DeLucia brings proven big-stage composure to Italy’s rotation in this year’s Classic.
Andrew Fischer (1B/3B) — Ole Miss
WBC Team: Italy
College: Duke (2023) Ole Miss (2024) Tennessee (2025)
Hometown: Manasquan, NJ
MLB Draft: 2025 Round 1 (20) Milwaukee
2025 Teams: Wisconsin (A+)
2025 Stats: 74 AB, .311 AVG, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 8 SB, .848 OPS (19 games)
Andrew Fischer brings a strong SEC pedigree to Team Italy’s roster after spending the 2024 season at Ole Miss, following earlier time at Duke and later transferring to Tennessee in 2025. At Ole Miss, Fischer was a middle-of-the-order presence known for his power and plate discipline. He exploded at Tennessee in 2025, batting .341 with 25 home runs before beginning his professional career in the Milwaukee Brewers system. A corner infielder with pop, Fischer gives Italy a legitimate power threat in the lineup.
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