Yankees pitching prospect joins Harrison Bader's World Baseball Classic team

Harrison Bader’s commitment to Team Israel and the addition of Yankees prospect Harrison Cohen significantly boost Israel’s lineup and pitching depth. Punters might favor Israel to outperform odds in pool play and consider player props—back Bader for extra-base hits/RBIs and Cohen for modest strikeout totals or a quality-appearance prop if used in starting role.

Harrison Bader Commits to Team Israel for World Baseball Classic

Newly signed Giants outfielder Harrison Bader has pledged to play for Team Israel in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, adding a proven MLB bat and elite defensive skill to Israel’s roster. Bader’s ability to cover ground in the outfield and produce in the middle of a lineup gives Israel a legitimate two-way boost at the plate and on defense.

Yankees Prospect Harrison Cohen Joins Israel’s Pitching Staff

Twenty-six-year-old right-hander Harrison Cohen has also joined Team Israel. Considered a top-20 prospect in the Yankees system, Cohen posted a 1.57 ERA with 29 strikeouts in 28.2 Triple-A innings last season. His recent Triple-A performance suggests he can provide quality innings, whether as a bulk reliever or a situational starter depending on roster construction.

What Cohen Brings: Metrics and Role

Cohen’s low ERA and steady strikeout rate at Triple-A indicate command and the ability to limit runs in short stints. For Israel, he represents depth—an arm capable of bridging to late-inning relievers or making spot starts against mid-tier international lineups.

WBC Roster Landscape and Notable Player Assignments

Team USA will feature high-profile names, including Aaron Judge and David Bednar, with Judge set to make his WBC debut. Other MLB-affiliated players are expected to represent their home countries, with shortstop José Caballero linked to Panama and pitching prospect Elmer Rodríguez associated with Puerto Rico. Those national rosters will shape the competitive balance in pool play.

Betting Implications and Tournament Outlook

Bader’s MLB-caliber bat and Cohen’s Triple-A form should narrow Israel’s underdog gap, particularly in short series where a couple of offensive bursts and reliable innings can swing results.

Bettors might look at Israel futures or matchups in pool play, plus player props: Bader for extra-base hits or RBIs and Cohen for strikeout or quality-appearance lines if announced as a starter. Monitor final rosters and Cohen’s assigned role for sharper markets.

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Bader signed with the San Francisco Giants a few days ago.

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