Phillies' Bryce Harper to play for Team USA in WBC

Two-time MVP Bryce Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies announced his commitment to Team USA for the 2026 World Baseball Classic on Tuesday.

"Put the colors on my chest for the 1st time when I was 15. No other feeling like it," Harper posted on Instagram. "I'm excited to announce I will be representing Team USA this year in the WBC. Merica! us #forglory"

Harper, 33, was unable to play in the 2023 World Baseball Classic while recovering from offseason elbow surgery.

An eight-time All-Star, Harper batted .261 with 27 homers and 75 RBIs in 132 games last season while playing almost exclusively at first base.

He is a career .280 hitter with a .905 OPS, 363 homers and 1,051 RBIs in 1,785 games with the Washington Nationals (2012-18) and Phillies. He was named the National League's Rookie of the Year in 2012 and the Most Valuable Player in 2015 and 2021.

Team USA manager Mark DeRosa's roster also includes team captain Aaron Judge, Cal Raleigh and Bobby Witt Jr. and pitchers Paul Skenes, Tarik Skubal and Mason Miller.

The United States won the World Baseball Classic in 2017 but finished runner-up to Japan in 2023.

Team USA's first game of the 2026 competition is against Brazil in Pool B action on March 6 in Houston.

--Field Level Media