The 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) is shaping up to be one of the most competitive editions yet, and Team USA’s roster is reflecting that intensity. Following a runner-up finish in the 2023 Classic, the United States has already secured commitments from several of Major League Baseball’s brightest stars. These players bring a blend of experience, youth, and versatility, creating a roster that could contend for the championship from the first pitch.
Leadership and Star Position Players
At the heart of Team USA’s roster is Aaron Judge, the New York Yankees outfielder and reigning American League MVP. Judge will serve as the team captain, bringing not only immense power but also leadership experience and postseason familiarity. After skipping the 2023 Classic, his commitment sets a strong precedent for the roster’s competitive tone.
Other confirmed position players bring complementary skills:
- Bobby Witt Jr. (Shortstop, Kansas City Royals): Known for his combination of speed, power, and defensive range, Witt is one of MLB’s brightest young stars. His athleticism allows Team USA to be versatile in defensive alignments. (sports.yahoo.com)
- Cal Raleigh (Catcher, Seattle Mariners): A power-hitting catcher, Raleigh adds depth behind the plate and is capable of protecting the pitching staff while contributing offensively. His bat-to-ball skills and situational awareness make him a strategic asset. (espn.co.uk)
- Corbin Carroll (Outfielder, Arizona Diamondbacks): Carroll is a dynamic outfielder with speed, defensive instincts, and gap-to-gap hitting. He can spark rallies with base-stealing ability and provide solid defense in the corners.
- Pete Crow-Armstrong (Outfielder, Chicago Cubs): Adds depth to the outfield with a mix of speed and strong defensive skills, capable of covering large areas of grass and making highlight-reel plays.
- Kyle Schwarber (DH/Outfielder, Philadelphia Phillies): Brings left-handed power to balance the lineup and adds pinch-hitting and designated-hitter flexibility.
- Will Smith (Catcher, Los Angeles Dodgers): Veteran catcher with postseason experience; complements Raleigh and adds depth.
- Gunnar Henderson (Infielder, Baltimore Orioles): Versatile infielder who can play multiple positions while contributing solid on-base skills.
- Brice Turang (Infielder/Outfielder, Milwaukee Brewers): Young utility player adding depth and flexibility to the lineup.
This core of position players balances power, speed, and defensive range — essential in the short tournament format of the WBC.
Strengthening the Pitching Staff
A championship-contending team is built on pitching, and Team USA is leaving no stone unturned. Their confirmed pitchers include high-strikeout starters, dependable veterans, and a deep bullpen capable of handling short bursts in high-pressure games.
- Paul Skenes (Starting Pitcher, Pittsburgh Pirates): One of the most highly regarded young arms in baseball, Skenes brings velocity, command, and an ability to dominate opposing lineups.
- Tarik Skubal (Starting Pitcher, Detroit Tigers): Two-time American League Cy Young candidate, Skubal adds elite left-handed pitching, ideal for matchup strategies in the WBC.
- Nolan McLean & Clay Holmes (Pitchers, New York Mets): Provide rotation depth and bullpen flexibility. Holmes is known for his high-leverage relief appearances.
- Joe Ryan (Starting Pitcher, Minnesota Twins): Veteran starter bringing consistency and strikeout ability.
- Logan Webb (Starting Pitcher, San Francisco Giants): Brings veteran leadership and postseason experience.
- Bullpen Core: Mason Miller, David Bednar, Garrett Whitlock, Garrett Cleavinger, and Griffin Jax make up a versatile relief group capable of high-pressure innings and matchups across multiple opponents.
By combining power arms, strikeout potential, and depth, Team USA’s pitching staff is well-positioned for the tournament’s strict pitch limits and rapid game turnaround schedule.
Confirmed 2026 WBC Roster
Here’s the complete list of confirmed players, including positions and MLB teams:
| Player Name | Position | MLB Team |
|---|---|---|
| Aaron Judge | Outfielder | New York Yankees |
| Bobby Witt Jr. | Shortstop | Kansas City Royals |
| Cal Raleigh | Catcher | Seattle Mariners |
| Corbin Carroll | Outfielder | Arizona Diamondbacks |
| Pete Crow‑Armstrong | Outfielder | Chicago Cubs |
| Kyle Schwarber | DH/Outfielder | Philadelphia Phillies |
| Will Smith | Catcher | Los Angeles Dodgers |
| Gunnar Henderson | Infielder | Baltimore Orioles |
| Brice Turang | Infielder/Outfielder | Milwaukee Brewers |
| Paul Skenes | Starting Pitcher | Pittsburgh Pirates |
| Tarik Skubal | Starting Pitcher | Detroit Tigers |
| Nolan McLean | Starting Pitcher | New York Mets |
| Clay Holmes | Pitcher | New York Mets |
| Joe Ryan | Starting Pitcher | Minnesota Twins |
| Logan Webb | Starting Pitcher | San Francisco Giants |
| Mason Miller | Relief Pitcher | San Diego Padres |
| David Bednar | Relief Pitcher | New York Yankees |
| Garrett Whitlock | Relief Pitcher | Boston Red Sox |
| Garrett Cleavinger | Relief Pitcher | Tampa Bay Rays |
| Griffin Jax | Relief Pitcher | Minnesota Twins |
Strategy and Outlook
Team USA’s current roster (led by Team Manager Mark DeRosa and General Manager Michael Hill) blends veteran experience with emerging talent, creating strategic options both offensively and defensively. The combination of power hitters like Judge, Schwarber, and Raleigh with agile fielders such as Witt Jr., Carroll, and Crow-Armstrong allows for aggressive base-running and defensive shifts.
On the pitching side, the staff provides a mix of high-strikeout starters and versatile relievers capable of controlling late-inning situations. This depth is critical in a tournament that allows limited pitch counts and requires multiple pitchers to handle short game turnarounds.
The 2026 Classic runs March 5–17, with Team USA beginning Pool B play in Houston. The team is widely considered one of the early favorites to win the championship, given the mix of experience, youth, and proven talent.
