Household names like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani will play a big role in propelling their respective teams closer to the championship stage. But some underrated players will most definitely contribute to unexpected comebacks and memorable game plays. Here are four players in the WBC who are flying under the radar.
Denzel Clarke (OF), Canada
Clarke’s slashline of .230/.274 /.372 in 159 plate appearances may not be the flashiest, but his glove can make a difference in a close game or a pitcher’s duel where one catch can either eliminate or advance the team to the next round of the WBC. The 25-year-old’s speed will be an X-factor as well, with Baseball Savant ranking his sprint speed at 97th percentile. A combination of effective defence and speed can be a difference maker – that’s the value Clarke brings to Team Canada, doing so for the second time in his young career.
Hao-Yu Lee (2B), Chinese Taipei
Listed as a second baseman for Chinese Taipei, Hao-Yu Lee is a minor leaguer in the Detroit Tigers’ farm system.
Since 2021, Lee’s minor league career slashline currently sits at .272/.361/.436, showcasing his reliable offensive capacity. However, Lee’s 2025 season took a step back when he slashed .243/.342/.406. If he can return to his form in 2023 (.273/.362/.399) or even 2024 (.298/.363/.488) in his offensive production while cutting down his strikeout rate, he can help move the lineup for Chinese Taipei and naturally add more power.
For what it’s worth, the Tigers are looking at the 23-year-old as one of the more interesting hitters to look at earlier this season, hoping he finds his consistent power stroke.
Marek Chlup (OF), Czechia
For those who remember the last WBC in 2023, Marek Chlup played a major role in getting Czechia to its first WBC appearance, with a slashline of .333/.471/.417 in 12 at-bats.
The 27-year-old was the first-ever European-born player to play in the NPB and is committed to playing in the Mexican League this year. While he was in NPB’s development league, Chlup slashed .273/.330/.406 with four home runs and 31 RBIs, indicating his offensive potential at his best. Replicating his 2023 numbers would be great for a Czechia squad looking to make its mark on the international stage.
Marek Chlup was 3 for 5 today, with a double and 2 RBI. His slash line is:
.299/.368/.373/.741
I am still a bit worried about the high BABIP (.422), strikeout rate (29%) and a lack of homeruns (just 1 in 28 G), but still very positive start to the season for Marek overall👏
Do-Yeong Kim (3B/SS), Korea
Do-Yeong Kim is a third baseman playing for the Kia Tigers in the KBO.
Kim’s slashline has always dazzled, with his BA exceeding the .300 line between 2023 and 2025. His best season with the Tigers was in 2024, when he slashed .347/.420/.647 with 109 RBIs and 38 home runs in 625 plate appearances. He was only two home runs shy of becoming the first 40/40 player in KBO history that year.
The 22-year-old recorded a slashline of .309/.361/.582 with 27 RBIs and seven home runs in 122 plate appearances in 2025, which was still a phenomenal season, despite a decline compared to the 2024 season. Kim’s elite contact ability can keep Korea’s lineup moving – the question is whether his contact quality will make or break the game.