2026 World Baseball Classic Betting Odds, Prediction: Canada vs. Puerto Rico
It’s a pivotal matchup for Canada at the World Baseball Classic on Tuesday as they prepare to face Group A host Puerto Rico.
Canada started the tournament off with an 8-2 rout of Colombia, but looked sloppy in a costly 4-3 loss against Panama on Sunday.
Puerto Rico is a perfect 3-0 with a 5-0 win over Colombia, a 4-3 win against Panama and 4-1 win over Cuba. The Group A hosts have already qualified for the knockout stage, although seeding is still at stake.
Puerto Rico is a -250 favourite to win on the WBC odds, while Canada is a +200 underdog.
Canada vs. Puerto Rico WBC Betting Odds
With the top two teams in Group A advancing, because Puerto Rico has already clinched a spot, that means regardless of Tuesday’s result, the winner of Canada vs. Cuba on Wednesday will claim the second quarterfinal spot in the group. If Canada beats Puerto Rico and Cuba they will win the group.
Canada and Puerto Rico have different track records in the five previous editions of the World Baseball Classic. While the Canadians have never advanced past the group stage, Puerto Rico has moved on at every tournament. Puerto Rico was a back-to-back runner-up in 2013 and 2017.
Canada enters their third game of the tournament as +10,000 long shots to win it all on the WBC futures board, tied with Cuba for the longest odds of all non-eliminated teams. Puerto Rico is moderately priced at +2000 to win the tournament.
Canada
Jordan Balazovic will get the ball for Canada against Puerto Rico. Balazovic is a 27-year-old right-hander who plays in the Detroit Tigers minor league system. He registered a 1-0 record in 2023 with the Minnesota Twins in his only MLB season.
Seattle Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor will obviously be key in this game as team captain and the only legit star on the roster. He’s batting .375 in the tournament with three hits and an RBI. Despite batting eighth in the lineup, Owen Caissie has been Canada’s most productive hitter. The Miami Marlines outfielder is batting .500 with one home run and three RBIs.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico will close out their group play schedule with Jose De Leon on the mound. De Leon was once a top pitching prospect, but injuries have derailed the 33-year-old’s career. He’s spent time in six MLB organizations, including the Toronto Blue Jays minor league system, but he is set to pitch in the Mexican League this season after just 35 career MLB appearances.
Athletics third baseman Darell Hernaiz has been Puerto Rico’s most effective weapon in the lineup, with a team-high four hits and Puerto Rico’s only home run. Hernaiz (.308), Martin Maldonado (.375), Willi Castro (.333), and Bryan Torres (.333) are all hitting over .300 across the first three games of the tournament.
Canada vs. Puerto Rico WBC Prediction
Canada 4, Puerto Rico 5