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When it comes to the World Baseball Classic, the weight of a nation’s expectations is often matched only by the sheer star power on the field. For Team USA, the 2026 tournament is about reclaiming international gold for the first time since 2017 and erasing the sting of a silver-medal finish three years ago.
With a roster headlined by team captain Aaron Judge and a fearsome rotation featuring reigning Cy Young winners Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal, the Americans have the talent to dominate — but it is the coaching staff of former champions behind them that will provide the tactical edge.
Meet USA's star-studded World Baseball Classic coaching staff, from Andy Pettitte to Mark DeRosa.
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Team USA World Baseball Classic coaching staff
Mark DeRosa: Manager
Returning for his second stint at the helm, DeRosa is a 16-season big-league veteran who played virtually everywhere on the diamond for teams like the Braves, Cubs, and Rangers. During his own WBC playing days, he was a standout for the 2009 American squad, batting .316 and leading the team in RBIs. His transition to managing in 2023 was widely praised by players for his ability to communicate and create a cohesive culture in a short tournament window.
Now a prominent voice on MLB Network’s MLB Central, DeRosa blends a sharp, analytical understanding of the modern game with the leadership skills he honed as an Ivy League quarterback at Penn. He is known for his "player-first" approach, focusing on managing the high-pressure environment of the Classic by allowing his superstars the freedom to play their game while he handles the tactical chess match of international rules.
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Andy Pettitte: Pitching coach
One of the most decorated lefties in history, Pettitte is a five-time World Series champion and the MLB record-holder for postseason wins with 19. A cornerstone of the Yankees' "Core Four," he was feared for his surgical precision on the mound and a pickoff move that froze the league’s best baserunners for nearly two decades. He retired with 256 career victories and is one of the few pitchers to have his jersey number (46) retired by the Yankees.
In his role as pitching coach, Pettitte serves as the mental anchor for the American staff. His primary mission is to translate that "big stage" composure to the next generation of American aces like Skenes and Skubal. Having spent the 2025 season as an advisor for the Yankees, he is well-versed in modern pitching data but relies heavily on teaching his staff how to navigate the psychological demands of elimination games.
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David Ross: Bullpen coach
A two-time World Series winner as a catcher, Ross capped his playing career with a legendary Game 7 home run to help the Cubs break their 108-year drought in 2016. Known as a defensive mastermind and a "pitcher's catcher" throughout his 15 years in the majors, Ross earned the nickname "Grandpa Rossy" for the veteran wisdom he provided to championship locker rooms in both Boston and Chicago.
Having managed the Cubs for four years, Ross brings rare managerial experience to a supporting role, offering DeRosa a seasoned perspective on late-inning matchups and bullpen management.
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Matt Holliday: Hitting coach
Holliday was a perennial powerhouse during his 15-year career, racking up seven All-Star nods and a batting title while winning a World Series with the 2011 Cardinals. He finished with over 300 home runs and 2,000 hits while maintaining a career batting average of nearly .300. His consistency was legendary; he once recorded at least 20 home runs and 30 doubles in nine consecutive seasons.
As hitting coach, Holliday is tasked with optimizing an offense that features some of the most disciplined and dangerous power hitters in the world. He is highly regarded for his ability to simplify hitting mechanics, a skill he has famously utilized while mentoring his sons, Jackson and Ethan Holliday, into top MLB prospects.
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Skip Schumaker: Bench coach
Schumaker serves as the staff's primary tactician and DeRosa's right-hand man. The 2023 NL Manager of the Year, who was recently hired as the manager of the Texas Rangers for the 2026 season, brings a championship pedigree as both a player and a coach. During his 11 seasons in the big leagues, he was a gritty overachiever who mastered multiple positions and won two World Series rings with the St. Louis Cardinals.
His recent success leading the Marlins to a surprise playoff berth and his deep dive into front-office analytics with the Rangers make him an invaluable asset on the bench. Schumaker is responsible for the intricate details of the game, from defensive positioning and shift-tracking to managing the complex "Designated Pitcher Pool" rules of the WBC. His presence ensures that the United States is as prepared for a specific situational substitution as they are for a 100-mph fastball.
Michael Young, Brian McCann, Fredi González: Assistant Managers
The staff is rounded out by three "Assistant Managers" who provide an extra layer of elite experience. Young is a Rangers legend and 7-time All-Star with a career batting title, while McCann was a 7-time All-Star catcher and 2017 World Series champion known for his defensive leadership. Joining them is González, a former manager of both the Marlins and Braves, who brings over 700 career MLB managerial wins to the dugout to assist DeRosa with game planning.
Dino Ebel and George Lombard: Base coaches
Rounding out the 10-man staff are two of the most respected in the coaching ranks. Dino Ebel, the longtime third base coach for the Dodgers and Angels, reprises his role from the 2023 WBC staff. At first base is George Lombard, currently the bench coach for the Detroit Tigers and a former World Series-winning coach with the Dodgers. Together, this duo ensures that Team USA’s aggressive baserunning and defensive fundamentals remain top-tier throughout the tournament.
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