Overview
- Phillies manager Rob Thomson announced at the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association banquet that Nola will pitch for Italy in the 2026 WBC.
- MLB.com lists Royals first baseman Vincent Pasquantino as another confirmed MLB player for Italy, making Nola at least the second.
- Nola, 32, is coming off a down 2025 marked by injuries, finishing 5–10 with a 6.01 ERA and 97 strikeouts in 94.1 innings over 17 starts.
- Italy opens tournament play against Brazil on March 7 in Houston, where Nola could be a potential starter.
- Philadelphia expects a sizable WBC presence, with multiple Phillies committed, including Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Brad Keller, Garrett Stubbs, Taijuan Walker, Alan Rangel, José Alvarado, Edmundo Sosa and Johan Rojas.