More stars join Team USA roster for 2026 World Baseball Classic

Building on recent additions like Rays relievers Garrett Cleavinger and Griffin Jax, Team USA's preliminary roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic expands with MLB stars including Aaron Judge and Brice Turang. Pool play starts March 5, with the final on March 17, as nations showcase global talent.

Following yesterday's announcement of Tampa Bay Rays relievers Garrett Cleavinger and Griffin Jax, early commitments to the 2026 World Baseball Classic continue to highlight top MLB talent.

Team USA, under manager Mark DeRosa, now features outfielder Aaron Judge (Yankees), the reigning AL MVP; catcher Cal Raleigh (Mariners), who set the MLB home run record for catchers; returning 2023 players like DH Kyle Schwarber (Phillies), C Will Smith (Dodgers), and SS Bobby Witt Jr. (Royals); plus INF Gunnar Henderson (Orioles), 2B Brice Turang (Brewers), OFs Corbin Carroll (Diamondbacks) and Pete Crow-Armstrong (Cubs), and additional pitchers including David Bednar (Yankees), Clay Holmes (Mets), Logan Webb (Giants).

Turang, 26, had a breakout 2025 with the Brewers: .288/.359/.435, 18 HR, 81 RBI, 5.6 bWAR, and Gold Glove/Silver Slugger finalist honors.

Internationally: Australia (Travis Bazzana, Liam Hendriks); Dominican Republic (Junior Caminero); Israel (Harrison Bader); Italy (Vinnie Pasquantino); Japan (Shohei Ohtani, poss. Yoshinobu Yamamoto); Mexico (Randy Arozarena, Jarren Duran); Nicaragua (Mark Vientos); Puerto Rico (Francisco Lindor); Venezuela (Salvador Perez).

Rosters are preliminary and subject to change, building excitement for the tournament.

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Team USA baseball stars Kyle Schwarber, Brice Turang, Gunnar Henderson, and Will Smith in 2026 World Baseball Classic jerseys, posing confidently on a field with flags and logos.
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Team USA bolsters 2026 World Baseball Classic roster with four stars

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Team USA has added designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, second baseman Brice Turang, shortstop Gunnar Henderson and catcher Will Smith to its roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The commitments were announced during the tournament's media day at the MLB Winter Meetings in Orlando. The squad aims to reclaim the title it last won in 2017 after finishing as runners-up to Japan in 2023.

Relief pitchers Garrett Cleavinger and Griffin Jax from the Tampa Bay Rays have been selected for Team USA in the upcoming 2026 World Baseball Classic. This addition strengthens the American squad's bullpen alongside other MLB stars. The Rays will also be represented by third baseman Junior Caminero on the Dominican Republic team.

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Aaron Judge, captain of the New York Yankees, is set to represent Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic after committing ten months ago. He aims to change the script from the 2023 final where Japan defeated the United States. Judge will join teammates David Bednar and Paul Goldschmidt for the tournament starting March 6.

Mexico has strengthened its lineup for the 2026 World Baseball Classic by adding infielders Jonathan Aranda and Joey Ortiz, pitcher Taijuan Walker, and outfielder Alek Thomas. These players join five other confirmed big leaguers as the team aims to surpass its third-place finish from 2023. The announcement came on Friday, highlighting the squad's growing talent pool.

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Retired Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw has been added to Team USA's roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, marking his debut in the tournament after withdrawing from the 2023 edition due to insurance issues. The 37-year-old, who retired from MLB at the end of the 2025 season after helping the Dodgers win the World Series, said he is preparing just enough to pitch in the March event without plans for an MLB return.

Ahead of their quarterfinal matchup against Canada in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, Team USA has swapped out several pitchers from its roster. The changes involve removing starter Tarik Skubal and relievers Michael Wacha and Ryan Yarbrough, while adding relievers Will Vest, Tyler Rogers, and Tim Hill. These adjustments aim to bolster the bullpen for the knockout stage beginning Friday.

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Team Canada approaches the 2026 World Baseball Classic with unprecedented roster depth and confidence to advance past the pool stage for the first time in tournament history. Manager Ernie Whitt emphasized the excitement of starting a potential Major League lineup at every position. Placed in Pool A without Team USA or Mexico, the Canadians aim to leverage their talent in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

 

 

 

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