Japan has dominated the World Baseball Classic, winning three of the five tournaments held since 2006.
However, it’s the United States that far and away leads the World Baseball Classic odds, and with the roster it boasts, it’s not a surprise.
My World Baseball Classic predictions and betting picks break down my favorite plays to win the 2026 tournament.
World Baseball Classic predictions
| Result | |
|---|---|
| Japan to win | Trade at Kalshi |
| Dominican Republic to win | Trade at Kalshi |
Who will win the 2026 World Baseball Classic at prediction markets?
There is a reason the United States is trading at this high level. The Americans have a stacked lineup led by Aaron Judge and Bobby Witt Jr.
The rotation features arguably the two best pitchers in baseball in Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal, and the bullpen is a nightmare for opposing teams with Mason Miller and David Bednar.
That said, the United States has won the World Baseball Classic just once, and it is not the only stacked roster in this tournament. This makes it difficult to get behind Team USA at this price, given other teams like Japan and the Dominican Republic.
Our prediction: Japan, Dominican Republic
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Japan has won this tournament three times in five editions since 2006, and it has another strong roster once again, led by Dodgers teammates Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Ohtani was the MVP of the 2023 tournament, which Japan won. There is some value with the reigning champs.
- The Dominican Republic can make the case that it has the best lineup in this tournament, with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Juan Soto leading the way. If Cristopher Sanchez and Sandy Alcantara can anchor the pitching staff, the DR has the best value among the true contenders and is the team you should keep your eye on.
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What is Kalshi and how does it work?
Kalshi is a federally regulated U.S. exchange where you trade directly on the outcome of real-world future events. Instead of traditional bets, you trade "Event Contracts" which are simple Yes/No questions like "Will the Eagles win this Sunday?" These events are priced between $0.01 and $0.99, and the prices reflect the market’s estimated probability of that event occurring. For instance, $0.55 equals a 55% chance. If your prediction is correct, the contract pays out exactly $1.00; if not, it settles at $0. Kalshi is essentially a stock market for reality.
How does Kalshi differ from sportsbooks?
In a sportsbook, you bet against the bookmaker, who sets fixed odds and takes a "vig," which is a kind of commission. On Kalshi, you trade against other users. This peer-to-peer prediction markets model means prices are driven by supply and demand, often resulting in fairer odds. Additionally, because these are financial derivatives, you can exit your position early. If your team takes a 14-point lead, the contract price will rise, allowing you to sell your "Yes" shares for a profit before the final whistle even blows.
Why should I wager on the World Baseball Classic at Kalshi?
Kalshi offers four unique advantages over traditional sportsbooks:
- Flexibility: Unlike a "locked-in" bet, you can sell your contract at any time.
- Transparency: You trade against other users, which can allow you to find better value.
- Federal regulation: As a CFTC-regulated exchange, your funds are held in a secure, transparent environment.
- Availability: Kalshi is available in many regions where traditional sportsbooks aren't yet legal.
