Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. to play for Team USA in 2026 WBC

Field Level Media|published: Thu 26th June, 13:22 2025

MLB: Tampa Bay Rays at Kansas City Royals

Jun 24, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) takes fielding practice before a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images

Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. said Thursday that he will suit up for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Witt, 25, joins New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge and Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes as MLB players announced so far as participants on Team USA manager Mark DeRosa's club.

Witt played in a reserve role in 2023 for the Americans, who fell to Japan in the championship game.

"It's truly an honor," Witt told MLB Network. "It's something I've kinda dreamed about my whole entire life. Just being part of that team a couple years ago was amazing, and now we're going to bring home the gold."

Witt, who led the majors with a .332 batting average in 2024, is hitting .282 with 10 home runs and 40 RBIs in 80 games this season.

The 2026 World Baseball Classic runs from March 5-17. Games will take place in Houston, Miami, Tokyo and San Juan, Puerto Rico, with the semifinals and championship game in Miami.

--Field Level Media