HOUSTON, Dec. 31, 2025 – Aaron Judge will captain Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, leading a roster brimming with star power as the team looks to avenge its 2023 championship loss to Japan.
A new Era for Team USA Baseball
Table of Contents
The 2026 World Baseball Classic roster boasts a blend of established stars and rising talents, aiming for redemption on the international stage.
- Pitching has been significantly bolstered with the commitments of reigning Cy Young winners tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes.
- The team will play all of its Pool B games in Houston, with matchups against Brazil, Mexico, and Italy.
- Aaron Judge will serve as captain, leading a powerful lineup featuring Kyle Schwarber, cal Raleigh, and Bryce Harper.
- The 2026 World baseball Classic will begin on March 5, 2026, with games in Tokyo, Puerto Rico, and Miami.
The United States finished as the runner-up in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, falling to Japan in a tightly contested championship game played in Miami. Pitching proved to be a key weakness for the U.S. team during that tournament, a concern addressed by general manager Michael Hill with the additions of Skubal and Skenes.
What are the key differences between the 2023 and 2026 Team USA rosters? The 2026 squad features significant upgrades in pitching depth, headlined by the Cy Young award winners, and a powerful lineup anchored by Judge, Raleigh, and Schwarber.
Power and Precision: The Pitching Staff
Securing the commitments of Skubal and Skenes addresses a critical need for Team USA. the pitching staff also includes David Bednar, Clay Holmes, Nolan McLean, Mason Miller, Joe Ryan, and Logan Webb, creating a diverse and talented group of arms.
A Lineup Built to Score
Judge’s presence as captain provides leadership and a potent bat in the middle of the order. He will be supported by Raleigh and Schwarber, both of whom enjoyed prolific power seasons in 2025.Corbin Carroll, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Bryce Harper add further offensive firepower.
Tournament Details and Schedule
The 2026 World Baseball Classic will kick off on March 5, 2026, with pool play at the Tokyo Dome. Games will also be held at Hiram bithorn Stadium in Puerto Rico,Daikin Park in Houston,and LoanDepot Park in Miami. Team USA will compete in Pool B, playing all four of its contests in Houston. The schedule includes matchups against Brazil on March 6, Mexico, and Italy.The knockout stage is slated to begin on March 13.
the coaching staff will be lead by manager Mark DeRosa, with Andy Pettitte serving as pitching coach and Matt Holliday as hitting coach. George Lombard will coach first base, Dino Ebel will coach third base, and david Ross will handle bullpen duties. Fredi Gonzalez, Brian McCann, and Michael Young will serve as assistant managers.
Roster Breakdown
- Pitchers: David Bednar, Clay Holmes, Nolan McLean, Mason Miller, Joe Ryan, Paul Skenes, Tarik Skubal, Logan Webb
- Catchers: Cal Raleigh, Will Smith
- Infielders: Bryce Harper, Gunnar Henderson, Brice Turang, Bobby Witt Jr.
- Outfielders: Corbin Carroll, Pete Crow-armstrong, Aaron Judge, Kyle Schwarber
