The United States is assembling its roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, aiming to secure its first title since 2017 after a loss in the 2023 finals. Team USA has added several prominent players, including designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, second baseman Brice Turang, shortstop Gunnar Henderson, and catcher Will Smith. These commitments were announced on Tuesday.
Previously announced players include outfielders Aaron Judge, Corbin Carroll, Pete Crow-Armstrong; shortstop Bobby Witt Jr.; catcher Cal Raleigh; and starting pitcher Paul Skenes. Aaron Judge will serve as captain for Team USA after recently winning his third American League MVP award.
Manager Mark DeRosa and general manager Mike Hill are working to complete the 30-player roster ahead of the tournament’s start. Team USA begins Pool B play against Brazil at Houston’s Daikin Park on March 6 at 8 p.m. ET.
Kyle Schwarber returns to Team USA after playing in the 2023 WBC. According to MLB.com sources, he has agreed to a five-year, $150 million contract to remain with the Philadelphia Phillies. Last season, Schwarber led the National League with 56 home runs and all of Major League Baseball with 132 RBIs—both career highs—and now has 340 career home runs entering the new season.
Brice Turang joins Team USA for his first WBC appearance following a strong year with the Milwaukee Brewers. Turang won a Gold Glove in 2024 and improved offensively in his third season by batting .288 with an on-base percentage of .359 and slugging .435. He also hit 18 home runs and recorded 28 doubles during the season.
Gunnar Henderson was not part of Team USA’s roster in 2023 but rose quickly as one of baseball’s top young talents by winning AL Rookie of the Year that same year and finishing fourth in AL MVP voting in 2024. In his most recent season with Baltimore, Henderson posted a .787 OPS along with 17 home runs, 34 doubles, and stole 30 bases.
Will Smith rejoins Team USA after previously participating in the last Classic. Smith recently hit an extra-inning home run for the Los Angeles Dodgers during Game 7 of this year’s World Series. Over this past season he batted .296/.404/.497 with 17 homers and had an .834 OPS since debuting in MLB—leading all catchers with at least 2,000 plate appearances since then.
“Smith and reigning AL MVP runner-up Raleigh will share the catching duties in the Classic.”
Team officials continue finalizing their lineup as they prepare for international competition next spring.
