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.
The 2026 World Baseball Classic roster announcements gained momentum at the MLB Winter Meetings, where managers and officials from all 20 participating teams gathered at the Signia by Hilton Orlando on Tuesday for media day. While rosters remain provisional until early February, several nations confirmed interest from MLB stars expected to join the tournament starting in March.
For Team USA, managed by Mark DeRosa, the latest additions strengthen an already star-studded lineup seeking to avenge its 2023 finals loss to Japan, highlighted by Shohei Ohtani striking out Mike Trout for the final out in a 3-2 victory. Joining captain Aaron Judge, shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., catcher Cal Raleigh and pitcher Paul Skenes are the new commits. Kyle Schwarber, who hit 56 home runs and drove in 132 runs for the Phillies in 2025—both career highs—returns after blasting two homers in five games for the 2023 team. Brice Turang, a 2024 Gold Glove winner at second base for the Brewers, slashed .288/.359/.435 with 18 homers and 28 doubles in 2025. Gunnar Henderson, the 2023 AL Rookie of the Year, posted a .787 OPS, 17 homers, 34 doubles and 30 stolen bases for the Orioles in 2025. Will Smith, who hit the World Series Game 7-winning homer for the Dodgers, slashed .296/.404/.497 with 17 homers in 2025 and owns the top .834 OPS among catchers with 2,000-plus plate appearances since 2019.
Team USA opens Pool B play on March 6 against Brazil at Houston's Daikin Park. Other nations also shared updates: Australia's Travis Bazzana, the 2024 No. 1 draft pick, intends to lead off, alongside Curtis Mead and Liam Hendriks. The Dominican Republic eyes Elly De La Cruz, Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. under new manager Albert Pujols. Mexico welcomes back Randy Arozarena and adds Jarren Duran, while Puerto Rico counts on captain Francisco Lindor, returning Carlos Correa and newcomers Riley Greene and George Springer.
