Team Russia Roster Preview: 2026 Cancun World Classic

CANCUN - When the 2026 Cancun World Classic opens on March 6 in Cleveland, OH, all eyes in Group A will be on Team Russia. Slotted alongside North Korea, China, Cuba and Texas, Russia enters the tournament heavily favored to advance — and quietly building buzz as a sleeper pick to upset the mighty North Japan Samurai in the championship.

Manager Vladimir Putin has assembled a roster that blends star power, swagger and just enough chaos to make things uncomfortable for the rest of the field. With Vladimir Guerrero Jr. wearing the captain’s “C,” this squad isn’t just here to participate.

They’re here to take over Cancun.

The Rizzler headlines a nuclear Russia lineup.

Starting Lineup

1. Nicolai Hoerner – 2B

2. Nikola Jokic – RF

3. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – 1B

4. The Rizzler – C

5. Alexander Ovechkin – DH

6. Dmitri Young – LF

7. Mikhail Franco – 3B

8. Ben Zobrist – SS

9. Victor Robles – CF

This lineup is built to hit tanks and do damage.

Hoerner sets the tone with elite bat control and speed. Jokic in right field? The most fundamentally sound 6’11” outfielder in tournament history. He might average a triple-double in WAR.

Batting third, Vladimir Jr. anchors the order as captain — and arguably the most complete hitter in the tournament. Power to all fields, leadership presence, and a flair for playoff drama. He’s the emotional engine.

Then there’s The Rizzler.

Fresh off being named Cancun NLCS MVP during the New York Mests’ miracle run to the Cancun World Series last postseason, The Rizzler walks into this tournament like he owns beachfront property in every opposing pitcher’s head.

And according to him, he does.

“I own Cancun. I’ve got Rizz in the air, Rizz in the sand, Rizz in the box. And I’m not surrounded by Mests anymore. This is different. I’m about to dominate.”

Behind him, Ovechkin brings brute-force power as DH, Dmitri Young adds veteran thunder, and Franco/Zobrist give the lineup flexibility and IQ. Robles in the nine-hole is basically a second leadoff hitter with elite defense.

Strengths: Depth 1–9, power + versatility, postseason pedigree.

Weaknesses: Jokic may accidentally average more assists than RBIs. Also, vibes could get too confident too early.

Still — this is arguably the most dangerous offense in Group A.

Drew Rasmussen is the ace and anchor of Team Russia's starting rotation.

Pitching Rotation

(Designed by the ghost of Leo Tolstoy, as far as we know)

1. Drew Rasmussen

2. Nikola Jokic (Yes, he also pitches.)

3. Edward Snowden

4. Maria Sharapova

5. Aleksandr Manoah

   
   

Rasmussen is the steady ace — command, movement, big-game calm. He’s the tone-setter.

Then Jokic takes the ball. Again. Somehow. Reports say he throws 91 mph but with “advanced geometry.” Expect strange spin rates and 12-minute mound visits.

Snowden is the mystery arm. No one has scouting reports. Literally. That’s the advantage.

Sharapova brings intensity and competitive fire — and may yell after every strikeout. Manoah rounds out the group with bulldog energy and something to prove.

Strengths: Unpredictability, mental warfare, multi-sport dominance.

Weaknesses: Stamina questions for Jokic. Snowden may vanish mid-start.

Still, this rotation can absolutely carry them deep into bracket play.

Alexander Vesia is one of many talented Alexanders in Team Russia's bullpen.

Bullpen

• Alexander Cobb

• Alexander Wood

• Alexander Vesia

• Alexei Díaz

• Closer: Pyotr Fairbanks

  
  

The “League of Alexanders” is real.

Cobb and Wood bring veteran craft. Vesia and Díaz add swing-and-miss electricity. And Pyotr Fairbanks? He slams the door with high-90s chaos and zero fear.

This bullpen might not have household-name glamour, but it has depth and matchup flexibility — crucial in tournament play.

Strengths: Experience, strikeout potential.

Weaknesses: Can be homer-prone if overused.

Anna Kournikova looks to turn heads and break the internet in Cancun.

Bench Players

• Maksim Kepler

• Andrey Vaughn

• Danya Vogelbach

• Anna Kournikova

  
  

Kepler offers left-handed pop and outfield depth. Vaughn gives power insurance. Vogelbach brings vibes and pinch-hit thunder.

And Kournikova? Athleticism, competitive fire — and the ability to absolutely break the internet if she hits a walk-off.

This bench isn’t filler. It’s insurance.

Final Thoughts on Team Russia in the Cancun World Classic

Russia is heavily favored to advance out of Group A. The combination of Vladimir Jr.’s leadership, The Rizzler’s Cancun aura, and a deep pitching staff makes them one of the most complete rosters in the tournament.

Don’t be surprised if this squad makes a run all the way to the title — and don’t be shocked if they’re the ones standing across from North Japan in the championship game.

Sleeper pick? Maybe. Problem for everyone else? Absolutely.

Is Team Russia the most dangerous squad in Group A? Can The Rizzler really “own Cancun” again? Are they legit title contenders — or first-round frauds?

Drop your takes in the comments. Share this with your group chat. Tag the North Japan fans who aren’t ready.

And don’t forget — you can stream every single game of the Cancun World Classic LIVE on FAX Sports+ and the FAX app. See you in March.