The Seattle Mariners are about to take over the global baseball stage. As the World Baseball Classic begins its highly anticipated pool play, Seattle finds itself at the center of the international spotlight with as many as 18 players participating in the tournament — a number tied with the New York Mets for the most among all MLB franchises.

For Mariners fans, that means the coming days will feel less like spring training and more like a worldwide showcase of Seattle’s talent.

The tournament officially begins with Pool C games in Tokyo early Thursday morning, while the remaining pools across the Americas will start competition on Friday. Across those pools, Mariners players will be scattered across national teams from North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia, creating one of the most diverse international presences of any franchise in the competition.

Half of those 18 participants are regular members of Seattle’s major league roster. Others are well-known prospects or players who have already spent time with the big club, meaning the Mariners’ influence will be visible in nearly every corner of the tournament.

One of the most exciting moments for fans arrived when star catcher Cal Raleigh made his debut for United States national baseball team during a warm-up game ahead of the tournament. Raleigh is expected to play a key role for Team USA throughout pool play, forming part of a roster loaded with Major League talent.

Raleigh will also be joined by Mariners teammate Gabe Speier, who provides left-handed relief depth for the American squad.

But Team USA is far from the only roster filled with Seattle connections.

Dominican superstar Julio Rodríguez will be one of the biggest attractions in the entire tournament when he takes the field for the Dominican Republic national baseball team. Rodríguez has already become one of baseball’s brightest global stars, and his participation instantly raises the stakes in every game the Dominican Republic plays.

Meanwhile, Canada will feature a powerful presence in Josh Naylor, who has been named captain of the Canadian national team. Naylor’s leadership role adds another dramatic storyline as Canada attempts to challenge the traditional powerhouses of international baseball.

Mexico’s lineup will also include a major Mariners connection. Outfielder Randy Arozarena and dominant reliever Andrés Muñoz are both expected to play key roles as Mexico attempts to advance through a difficult group stage.

Elsewhere in the tournament, Mariners players will represent several emerging baseball nations.

Panama’s pitching staff includes Abdiel Mendoza, while Colombia will feature Michael Arroyo and Guillo Zuñiga. Venezuela’s roster includes pitchers Eduard Bazardo and Jhonathan Díaz, while the Netherlands squad will rely on right-hander Dylan Wilson.

Italy’s roster also includes Mariners representation with Dominic Canzone and Miles Mastrobuoni, adding further international flavor to Seattle’s presence.

Even Brazil and Israel feature Mariners players in the competition, with Pedro Da Costa Lemos pitching for Brazil and Charlie Beilenson representing Israel.

In Asia, Korea’s pitching staff includes Dane Dunning, giving the Mariners representation in the Tokyo-based pool as well.

The schedule over the next week will be relentless. Pool play games will begin early each morning and continue throughout the day, broadcast across networks including FOX, FS1, FS2, and various streaming platforms.

For Mariners fans determined to follow every appearance, the schedule will resemble a global marathon. Seattle players could appear in games starting as early as 2 a.m. in Tokyo matchups or as late as evening broadcasts from Miami and Houston.

And the stakes will escalate quickly.

Only the top two teams from each pool will advance to the quarterfinal round, which will be held in Houston and Miami from March 12 through March 14. The surviving teams will then travel to Miami for the final stage of the tournament.

The semifinals are scheduled for March 15 and March 16, with the championship game set for March 17.

For the Mariners organization, the tournament represents more than just international pride. It is also a rare opportunity to showcase the franchise’s growing global footprint. With players representing so many countries, Seattle’s roster has effectively become one of baseball’s most international teams.

And for fans watching from the Pacific Northwest, the next two weeks will offer a unique thrill: seeing the familiar faces of Mariners players competing not just for Seattle, but for their countries — under the brightest lights baseball can offer.