Long Beach State University Athletics
Two Former Dirtbags Set For 2026 World Baseball Classic
3/4/2026 4:04:00 PM | Baseball
LONG BEACH, Calif. — Multiple Long Beach State baseball alumni will represent their respective countries on the international stage as the 2026 World Baseball Classic begins this week, continuing the Dirtbags' tradition of producing talent at the highest levels of the game.
The 2026 World Baseball Classic opens Wednesday, March 4, with pool play beginning March 5 and running through March 17 across four host sites including Miami, Houston, San Juan and Tokyo. Both former Dirtbags will compete in Pool B for their respective national teams.
Jarren Duran (2016-18) has been added to the Mexico national baseball team roster. During his time at Long Beach State, Duran etched his name into the program record books with the fourth-most stolen bases, eighth-most triples and ninth-most starts in school history. A two-time All-Big West selection, he was drafted in the seventh round of the 2018 MLB Draft by the Boston Red Sox and has since developed into a dynamic presence at the professional level. Team Mexico will play an exhibition game against the Los Angeles Dodgers before tournament action begins.
Vance Worley (2006-08) has been named to the Great Britain national baseball team roster for the second consecutive World Baseball Classic, after also competing in 2023. During his three seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies, Worley posted an 18-13 record with a 3.50 ERA across 53 appearances (46 starts), totaling 277.2 innings pitched with 238 strikeouts and a 1.351 WHIP. As a Dirtbag, Worley threw 230.2 innings in 47 appearances, recorded 12 wins and 145 strikeouts with a 3.98 ERA before being selected in the third round of the 2008 MLB Draft. Great Britain will tune up with an exhibition matchup against the San Diego Padres prior to pool play.
Additionally, Chicago Cubs infield prospect Jonathon Long (2021-23) withdrew from participating for Chinese Taipei in the 2026 World Baseball Classic due to a left elbow injury. The 23-year-old, a 2023 ninth-round draft pick, was named the Cubs' Minor League Player of the Year following a strong 2025 campaign.
The championship game of the 2026 World Baseball Classic is scheduled for March 17 in Miami. Full tournament information, including schedules and pool breakdowns, is available at MLB.com.
