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USA Baseball Bolsters 2026 World Baseball Classic Roster with Four Key Additions
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The united States national baseball team is rapidly taking shape as it prepares to compete in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, adding designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, second baseman Brice Turang, shortstop Gunnar Henderson, and catcher Will Smith to its growing roster. The team is persistent to avenge its 2023 finals loss and reclaim the title it last won in 2017.
A Quest for Redemption in 2026
Following a heartbreaking defeat to Japan in the 2023 World Baseball Classic final – a game famously highlighted by Shohei Ohtani striking out Mike Trout – Team USA is focused on building a squad capable of bringing the championship back to American soil. The additions announced Tuesday represent a meaningful step toward that goal, complementing a previously confirmed group of stars including aaron Judge, Corbin Carroll, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Bobby Witt Jr., Cal Raleigh, and starting pitcher Paul Skenes.
Aaron Judge, the three-time American League MVP, will serve as captain, leading a team brimming with talent and experience. The 2017 victory sparked a new wave of enthusiasm among U.S. players for the tournament, and the team is eager to capitalize on that momentum.
Did you know?-The World Baseball Classic began in 2006, aiming to create a premier international baseball competition. The tournament allows players from Major League baseball to represent their national teams,fostering global baseball growth.
New Additions Bring Power and Versatility
The latest additions to manager Mark DeRosa’s lineup each bring a unique skillset to the table. Kyle Schwarber, fresh off a five-year, $150 million deal to return to the Phillies, is known for his prodigious power. A source confirmed the deal, noting Schwarber’s previous performance in the 2023 WBC, where he hit a pair of “Schwarbombs” in five games. He recently led the National League with 56 home runs and 132 RBIs, both career highs, and is projected to accumulate 340 home runs by 2026.
Brice Turang, a rising star with the Brewers, is an elite defender who posted a .288 batting average with 18 home runs and 28 doubles in 2025. He won a Gold Glove in 2024 and brings a dynamic presence to the infield.
Gunnar Henderson, the 2024 American League Rookie of the Year and a fourth-place finisher in the AL MVP race, offers another potent shortstop option alongside Bobby Witt Jr. He recorded a .787 OPS with 17 home runs, 34 doubles, and 30 stolen bases for the Orioles in 2025.
Rounding out the additions is Will Smith, the Dodgers’ catcher who clinched a game-winning home run in the 11th inning of Game 7 of the World Series. He boasts a .296 batting average with 17 home runs and 20 doubles, and since his debut in 2019, his .834 OPS is the highest among MLB catchers with at least 2,000 plate appearances. He will share catching duties with Cal Raleigh.
Pro tip:-The World Baseball classic uses MLB rules with some modifications, including a pitch clock and limits on mound visits, to expedite gameplay and enhance the viewing experience.
Looking Ahead to Pool B Play
Mark DeRosa and general manager Mike Hill will continue to finalize the 30-player roster in preparation for the tournament. Team USA will begin its journey in Pool B play on March 6, 2
