After falling to Japan in the 2023 World Baseball Classic final, Team USA returns to international competition with arguably its deepest and most star‑studded roster ever assembled. With the next Classic beginning just weeks before the MLB season, securing elite pitching talent was always going to be a challenge — but thanks largely to early commitments from top arms and manager Mark DeRosa’s efforts, the Americans have convinced a cadre of big‑league stars to participate.
On paper, the U.S. is widely regarded as one of the favorites to win, alongside traditional powers like Japan, the Dominican Republic, and Venezuela — all boasting elite talent and plenty of WBC experience.
While Team USA’s 2023 squad was strong offensively, this year’s lineup looks even more formidable:
- Aaron Judge (RF) – Team captain and one of the best hitters on the planet, Judge brings MVP‑caliber power and leadership.
- Bryce Harper (1B/OF) – A multi‑time All‑Star and key middle‑of‑the‑order presence after a strong Spring Training showing.
- Bobby Witt Jr. (SS) – The returning WBC veteran and dynamic catalyst at the top of the order.
- Kyle Schwarber (DH) – A lefty slugger capable of changing the game with one swing.
- Cal Raleigh (C) – The 2025 AL home‑run leader at catcher adds unique power from the middle of the order.
- Roman Anthony (LF) – A young breakout outfielder replacing the injured Corbin Carroll.
Other key contributors include Alex Bregman, Pete Crow‑Armstrong, Brice Turang, and Will Smith — giving USA both depth and versatility.
Projected Lineup
- SS Bobby Witt Jr. (R)
- DH Kyle Schwarber (L)
- RF Aaron Judge (R)
- 1B Bryce Harper (L)
- C Cal Raleigh (S)
- LF Roman Anthony (L)
- 3B Alex Bregman (R)
- CF Pete Crow‑Armstrong (L)
- 2B Brice Turang (R)
Expect rotation among position players and adjustments based on matchups, especially to maximize platoon advantages and keep the offense fresh through pool play and beyond.
The major narrative this cycle has been the transformation of the U.S. pitching corps. After pitcher workouts and Spring Training ramp‑ups, the Americans now have a rotation that can rival any in the Classic:
Projected Core Starters
- Paul Skenes (RHP): 2025 NL Cy Young winner and perhaps the best pure arm on the roster, Skenes plans to make multiple starts in the tournament.
- Tarik Skubal (LHP): Two‑time AL Cy Young winner, but will make only one start in pool play.
- Logan Webb (RHP): Veteran righty providing stability and innings.
- Ryan Yarbrough (LHP): Recently added to replace Joe Ryan due to injury but offers swingman versatility.
- Michael Wacha / Matthew Boyd: Lefty and righty options rounding out starting depth.
Other arms on the roster include Clayton Kershaw (in a limited role), Nolan McLean, Clay Holmes, and a bullpen stocked with power arms and multi‑inning options.
The early commitment from Skenes helped open the door for other starters to join, easing concerns about pitching depth in a tournament with strict pitch limits and condensed schedules.
Team USA enters the 2026 Classic with sky‑high expectations — on offense, on the mound, and in the dugout under DeRosa’s leadership. The blend of stars with international aspirations and elite MLB championships experience makes this perhaps the most complete U.S. roster in WBC history.
However, winning a global tournament is never easy. Strong competitors like defending champion Japan and powerful Latin American teams will test USA in every phase of the game.
Still, with elite pitching depth, a potent and flexible lineup, and leadership from multiple MVP‑level stars, Team USA looks positioned to finally convert its talent into WBC gold.
Group Stage – Houston, Texas (Daikin Park)
- March 6 – @ Brazil | 7:00 p.m. CT / 8:00 p.m. ET
- March 7 – vs Great Britain | 7:00 p.m. CT / 8:00 p.m. ET
- March 9 – vs Mexico | 7:00 p.m. CT / 8:00 p.m. ET
- March 10 – vs Italy | 8:00 p.m. CT / 9:00 p.m. ET
Knockout Stage
- March 13 or 14 – Quarterfinals | Daikin Park, Houston, TX | Time TBD
- March 15 or 16 – Semifinals | loanDepot Park, Miami, FL | 8:00 p.m. ET
- March 17 – Finals | loanDepot Park, Miami, FL | Time TBD
