Inside USA's baseball team: A complete roster and more about 2026 World Baseball Classic team

Just three years later, the World Baseball Classic is back again before resuming its normal four-year cadence. In 2023, the United States came up just short in the championship, losing to Japan. The final at-bat is one of the most memorable in recent baseball history, as Shohei Ohtani struck out his former teammate Mike Trout to clinch the title for Team Japan.

Now, three years later, some of the best players from the 2023 squad have aged out of the required insurance to play in the tournament. With no Trout in 2026, Team USA will be looking for its next hero to step up and help the squad win its second-ever WBC title.

As the U.S. enters the knockout stages, there have been a few changes on the roster, with some notable names, including ace Tarik Skubal, leaving after pool play.

Here's more on Team USA’s roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

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• 8 best games to watch on WBC schedule
• Ranking the World Baseball Classic teams from best to worst

USA World Baseball Classic roster 2026

Team USA has a 30-man roster and opted to split it with 16 pitchers and 14 hitters. 

Pitchers

*Left WBC after pool play

Catchers

Infielders

Outfielders

Designated Hitter

MORE WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC 2026:

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• How many innings in World Baseball Classic games?
• Why WBC games can end early with mercy rule
• How qualifying, pool play, standings and more work in the WBC

USA players to watch in World Baseball Classic

Team USA is looking for its new hero. Mike Trout was denied insurance to participate based on his lengthy injury history, so he's not playing with the team in 2026. 

While the United States has one of the deepest pitching staffs, there is already some controversy as reigning AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal said he will only make one start in the tournament and then turn his attention to the upcoming season with the Detroit Tigers. 

Even with those stipulations, there are plenty of players to be excited about. Paul Skenes, the reigning NL Cy Young winner, has said he is fine if he pitches every inning in the WBC. Catcher Cal Raleigh, Infielders Bryce Harper and Bobby Witt Jr., and outfielders Pete Crow-Armstrong and Aaron Judge lead a lineup that would rival an All-Star Game squad. 

Who is coaching Team USA in the World Baseball Classic?

Team USA's manager for the 2026 World Baseball Classic will be Mark DeRosa. He played in MLB from 1998 to 2013, and was part of Team USA's roster for the 2009 WBC. DeRosa was named the manager for the 2023 World Baseball Squad and is returning in 2026. 

Baseball fans will see some familiar names joining DeRosa's coaching staff. Michael Young (bench coach), Fredi Gonzalez (assistant coach), Brian McCann (assistant coach), Sean Casey (hitting coach), Matt Holliday (hitting coach), Andy Pettitte (pitching coach), George Lombard (first base coach), Dino Ebel (third base coach) and Davis Ross (bullpen coach) round out Team USA's staff. 

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USA World Baseball Classic history

The United States has participated in all five previous World Baseball Classics entering 2026. In 2006, Team USA made it out of pool play but lost in the quarterfinals. In 2009, the United States reached the semifinals but lost and finished third.

Team USA returned to the quarterfinals in 2013 but lost and finished sixth overall. The 2017 tournament marked the first time Team USA won the World Baseball Classic. The United States beat Puerto Rico 8-0 in the championship game, with Ian Kinsler starting the scoring with a two-run blast in the third inning.

Team USA looked to defend its championship in 2023 and faced Team Japan in the final. The game was an instant classic, but the U.S. lost 3-2. It ended with the iconic matchup between Shohei Ohtani on the mound and his former Los Angeles Angels teammate Mike Trout in the batter’s box. Ohtani struck him out to clinch the win for Japan.

USA World Baseball Classic schedule 2026

The United States are hosting Pool B in Houston, Texas for the round-robin part of the tournament. They will be joined by Brazil, Great Britain, Italy and Mexico. 

Here is a look at Team USA's World Baseball Classic schedule.