From Angels camp in Tempe, Arizona, Mike Trout reflected on the iconic 2023 World Baseball Classic final and expressed enthusiasm for the 2026 edition. Unable to participate this year, he praised the tournament's growing popularity and deep lineups. He highlighted the upcoming Team USA-Dominican Republic matchup as a season highlight.
Mike Trout, captain for Team USA in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, spoke from Tempe, Arizona, where he is with his Los Angeles Angels teammates. Unable to play in the current tournament, Trout followed the action remotely, including Japan's quarterfinal loss to Venezuela and Team Italy's undefeated run after upsetting Puerto Rico on Saturday. He anticipates heightened excitement for the 2026 event, now drawing broader participation from top players. Trout noted, “I think now a lot of people are buying in on it. A lot of guys that maybe would not have done it before are now doing it. So you’re seeing a lot of deep lineups. Venezuela, the Dominican team -- I mean, that lineup is ridiculous.” He described the atmosphere as passionate, recalling louder crowds during the USA-Venezuela game than even the 2023 championship. Trout praised recent highlights like Wilyer Abreu’s homer and said of Team Italy, “You’ve got some teams that are hot. [Italy] has a good team, good lineup. It’s good to see.” Looking ahead to Sunday night's semifinal at loanDepot park in Miami between Team USA and the Dominican Republic, Trout called it “one of the games to watch for this season, for sure.” His comments come after a defining 2023 moment on March 21 in Miami, where Japan's Shohei Ohtani struck out Trout on a 3-2 count with a sweeper in the ninth inning of the championship, securing Japan's third title.
