Why Mike Trout isn't playing for USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic

The most iconic play of the 2023 World Baseball Classic saw Mike Trout, Team USA's captain, at the dish to face his Los Angeles Angeles star teammate at the time, Shohei Ohtani. Trout struck out, resulting in Japan's 3-2 victory to seal the title.

Mike Trout's subtle nod to Ohtani before walking to the plate like, "Alright, man. Here we go. Let's do this." pic.twitter.com/o0SHoLxjGx

Now, three years later, the U.S. doesn't just have a new captain — Trout isn't on manager Mark DeRosa's roster at all.

While star names in the outfield like Aaron Judge, Byron Buxton and Pete Crow-Armstrong will be suiting up for Team USA, Trout will be at home, preparing for the 2026 MLB season. He has signaled that he had interest in participating in the WBC, but ultimately, he will not be on the field.

Here's what to know about Mike Trout's absence from the U.S. roster in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

MORE: Full rosters for the 2026 World Baseball Classic

Why isn't Mike Trout playing in the World Baseball Classic?

Mike Trout was given a "Captain America" nickname at the 2023 World Baseball Classic, as he was named Team USA's captain and hit three home runs in seven tournament games. As one of the best players of his generation, he once would've thought to be a shoe-in for the United States' 2026 roster.

It’s hard to sum up into words what these last couple of weeks have meant to me. I had the time of my life representing that USA on my chest! The energy was electric and made the WBC a moment I’ll always cherish. So thank you all so much. It was an honor to be your captain. 🫡🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/V5TOEaKpu7

However, Trout has struggled a ton with injuries in the years since the 2023 event. He played in just 82 games in 2023, 29 in 2024, then 130 in 2025, and he hasn't appeared in at least 140 MLB games in a season since 2018.

Given his recent injury history, including fracturing his left hamate bone, a torn meniscus that was later re-torn and a bone bruise last season, that played a factor in Trout's absence from Team USA.

He said in February that he wasn’t permitted to join the Team USA roster because he couldn’t get his contract insured, per The Athletic. Without insurance coverage, he may have been risking have risked the $35 million he will earn in 2026.

“I did want to play in the WBC,” Trout said, per The Athletic. “It was a few things — obviously insurance was the biggest hurdle I was trying to get through. It’s disappointing, I wanted to run it back with all the guys.”

Trout was not the only star who was unable to secure insurance for the WBC, preventing them from playing. Carlos Correa, Jose Altuve and Francisco Lindor are among the other big names who weren't able to play in the WBC due to insurance issues.

Because he couldn't secure insurance for a potential injury in the WBC, Trout wasn't able to grab a spot in Team USA's outfield. But at the same time, it's unclear what role he would have held anyway — Trout hasn't quite been the same elite, multi-tool star he once was. 

Is Mike Trout injured?

At the time, Mike Trout is not injured. In fact, he plans on making a return to center field in the 2026 season for the Angels after previous seasons spent at DH and right field, a sign that he's healthy, per The Athletic.

“I prefer center. I just feel comfortable out there,” Trout said, per The Athletic. “I feel like I’m at my best when I’m in center.”

Trout has dealt with many injuries over the past decade, but he played 130 games in 2025, his most since 2019. At 34 years old, he's hoping to stay fully healthy for a full season for the first time in a while; while his power was still present in 2025, hitting 26 home runs, he hit just .232 and hasn't been the same defender since his injuries.

Is Mike Trout retired?

No, Mike Trout is not retired, and he hasn't signaled any plans to retire any time soon. He is 34 years old and has five years remaining on his current contract with the Angels, including the 2026 season. He is under contract through his age-38 season in 2030.

The 11-time All-Star and 3-time MVP hasn't been the same elite player for a few seasons, as his last All-Star selection was in 2023 and his last top-10 MVP finish was in 2022. But Trout is also coming into the 2026 healthy, returning to center field and aiming to return to his level of elite play he once made regular. 

A likely Hall of Famer some day, Trout's career doesn't appear close to over. He won't be participating in the WBC, but will be ready for Opening Day with Los Angeles.