2025-12-23
Who's playing for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic? Here's the roster so far
Will Team USA reclaim the World Baseball Classic title in 2026?The United States will be looking to rebound from a runner-up finish when the World Baseball Classic returns in March.After capturing their first WBC title in 2017, the Americans made it all the back to the final of the 2023 international baseball tournament. But the U.S. fell just short of pulling off the repeat, losing to 3-2 to Japan. The thrilling tournament was capped by Shohei Ohtani striking out then-Los Angeles Angels teammate Mike Trout to secure Japan’s third WBC title.Now, as the 2026 tournament approaches, Team USA is putting together a roster that’s certainly championship-caliber.The club is captained by New York Yankees three-time MVP Aaron Judge. The roster also features both the NL and AL MVP runners-up from 2025 in Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber and Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh. The pitching staff, meanwhile, is headlined by the reigning Cy Young winners in Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Paul Skenes and Detroit Tigers southpaw Tarik Skubal.And those aren’t the only MLB stars who will be donning red, white and blue.Who is on Team USA’s World Baseball Classic roster?Here’s an updated breakdown of manager Mark DeRosa‘s roster to this point (this section will be updated as roster additions are announced):Starting pitchersMatthew Boyd, Chicago CubsClay Holmes, New York MetsNolan McLean, New York MetsJoe Ryan, Minnesota TwinsPaul Skenes, Pittsburgh PiratesTarik Skubal, Detroit TigersLogan Webb, San Francisco GiantsRelieversDavid Bednar, New York YankeesGarrett Cleavinger, Tampa Bay RaysGriffin Jax, Tampa Bay RaysMason Miller, San Diego PadresGarrett Whitlock, Boston Red SoxCatchersCal Raleigh, Seattle MarinersWill Smith, Los Angeles DodgersInfieldersBryce Harper, Philadelphia PhilliesGunnar Henderson, Baltimore OriolesBrice Turang, Milwaukee BrewersBobby Witt Jr., Kansas City RoyalsOutfieldersCorbin Carroll, Arizona DiamondbacksPete Crow-Armstrong, Chicago CubsAaron Judge, New York YankeesKyle Schwarber, Philadelphia PhilliesBednar, Schwarber, Smith and Witt Jr. are returning members from the 2023 squad.MLBDec 10Here's an updated look at the best remaining MLB free agentsMLBNov 19MLB announces updated media rights deal for 2026-28: NBC, Netflix join as partnersWhen does the 2026 World Baseball Classic start?The opening game of the tournament is scheduled for March 4.What are the 2026 World Baseball Classic dates?Pool play will run from March 4-March 11 followed by the quarterfinals from March 13-14, the semifinals from March 15-16 and the championship game on March 17.Where is the 2026 World Baseball Classic being played?Group stage games will be played across four cities and three countries:Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, JapanHiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto RicoDaikin Park in HoustonloanDepot park in MiamiThe quarterfinals will be held in Houston and Miami, while the semifinals and finals will be played in Miami.Which teams are in the 2026 World Baseball Classic?The WBC features 20 teams which are split into four different pools for the opening round. Each pool is assigned to one host city for the first round.Here’s a breakdown of the pools and host cities:Pool A (San Juan, Puerto Rico)CanadaColombiaCubaPanamaPuerto RicoPool B (Houston)BrazilGreat BritainItalyMexicoUnited StatesPool C (Tokyo, Japan)AustraliaChinese TaipeiCzechiaJapanKoreaPool D (Miami)Dominican RepublicIsraelNetherlandsNicaraguaVenezuelaHow does the World Baseball Classic work?The WBC opens with a round robin where teams play one game against each of the other clubs in their pool. The top two teams from each pool then advance to the knockout rounds, which are single-elimination.Teams from Pools A and B will play quarterfinal games in Houston, while clubs from Pools C and D will play in Miami.
