(Photo credit score: Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK by way of Imagn Images)
The United States finalized its roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic on Thursday, locking in a bunch that options each reigning Cy Young Award winners, a number of Most Valuable Players and retired Los Angeles Dodgers icon Clayton Kershaw.
Most gamers already had confirmed their plans to compete within the event that begins March 5, however Thursday’s announcement revealed the Americans’ full arsenal of arms and deep assortment of infielders to go along with simply 4 main outfielders.
‘We constructed this roster with one aim in thoughts: to deliver residence a WBC Championship for the U.S. followers,’ Team USA normal supervisor Michael Hill mentioned in a press release. ‘I wish to thank the Major League Clubs for trusting us with this unbelievable group of gifted gamers.’
‘Building this staff was by no means simple, but it surely was completed with function and pleasure,’ Team USA supervisor Mark DeRosa added. ‘These gamers know what it means to put on USA throughout their chest, and we’re able to go to work and produce the World Baseball Classic trophy again residence.’
The U.S. has received just one WBC, in 2017. The Americans misplaced to Japan within the 2023 ultimate — the final time the event was performed.
New York Yankees star Aaron Judge serves because the staff’s captain and can be joined within the outfield by veteran Byron Buxton and up-and-comers Corbin Carroll and Pete Crow-Armstrong.
The 37-year-old Kershaw, who retired from his legendary MLB profession after the Dodgers’ World Series title, beforehand had mentioned he would pitch on this WBC. It’s not clear to what extent he can be used.
The Americans haven’t got to fret about beginning pitching. American League Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal and National League Cy Young winner Paul Skenes will anchor the rotation.
The United States opens pool play towards Brazil on March 6 in Houston earlier than dealing with Mexico on March 9 and Italy on March 10. The championship recreation can be performed March 17 in Miami. Here’s the staff’s 30-man roster:
Catchers
Cal Raleigh, Seattle Mariners
Will Smith, Los Angeles Dodgers
Infielders/utility
Alex Bregman, 3B, Boston Red Sox
Ernie Clement, UTIL, Toronto Blue Jays
Paul Goldschmidt, 1B, free agent
Bryce Harper, 1B, Philadelphia Phillies
Gunnar Henderson, SS, Baltimore Orioles
Brice Turang, 2B, Milwaukee Brewers
Bobby Witt Jr., SS, Kansas City Royals
Outfielders
Byron Buxton, Minnesota Twins
Corbin Carroll, Arizona Diamondbacks
Pete Crow-Armstrong, Chicago Cubs
Aaron Judge, New York Yankees
Designated hitter
Kyle Schwarber, Philadelphia Phillies
Pitchers
David Bednar, RHP, New York Yankees
Matthew Boyd, LHP, Chicago Cubs
Garrett Cleavinger, LHP, Tampa Bay Rays
Clay Holmes, RHP, New York Mets
Griffin Jax, RHP, Tampa Bay Rays
Brad Keller, RHP, Philadelphia Phillies
Clayton Kershaw, LHP, retired
Nolan McLean, RHP, New York Mets
Mason Miller, RHP, San Diego Padres
Joe Ryan, RHP, Minnesota Twins
Paul Skenes, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates
Tarik Skubal, LHP, Detroit Tigers
Gabe Speier, LHP, Seattle Mariners
Michael Wacha, RHP, Kansas City Royals
Logan Webb, RHP, San Francisco Giants
Garrett Whitlock, RHP, Boston Red Sox
–Field Level Media