U.S. loads World Baseball Classic roster with MVPs, Cy Young Award winners

Field Level Media|published: Thu 5th February, 20:47 2026

Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) watches from the dugout in the sixth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025. The Reds won, 2-1.

The United States finalized its roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic on Thursday, locking in a group that features both reigning Cy Young Award winners, multiple Most Valuable Players and retired Los Angeles Dodgers icon Clayton Kershaw.

Most players already had confirmed their plans to compete in the tournament that begins March 5, but Thursday's announcement revealed the Americans' complete arsenal of arms and deep collection of infielders to go with just four primary outfielders.

"We constructed this roster with one goal in mind: to bring home a WBC Championship for the U.S. fans," Team USA general manager Michael Hill said in a statement. "I would like to thank the Major League Clubs for trusting us with this incredible group of talented players."

"Building this team was never easy, but it was done with purpose and pride," Team USA manager Mark DeRosa added. "These players know what it means to wear USA across their chest, and we're ready to go to work and bring the World Baseball Classic trophy back home."

The U.S. has won only one WBC, in 2017. The Americans lost to Japan in the 2023 final -- the last time the tournament was played.

New York Yankees star Aaron Judge serves as the team's captain and will be joined in the outfield by veteran Byron Buxton and up-and-comers Corbin Carroll and Pete Crow-Armstrong.

The 37-year-old Kershaw, who retired from his legendary MLB career after the Dodgers' World Series title, previously had said he would pitch in this WBC. It's not clear to what extent he will be used.

The Americans don't have to worry about starting pitching. American League Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal and National League Cy Young winner Paul Skenes will anchor the rotation.

The United States opens pool play against Brazil on March 6 in Houston before facing Mexico on March 9 and Italy on March 10. The championship game will be played March 17 in Miami. Here's the team's 30-man roster:

Catchers

Cal Raleigh, Seattle Mariners

Will Smith, Los Angeles Dodgers

Infielders/utility

Alex Bregman, 3B, Boston Red Sox

Ernie Clement, UTIL, Toronto Blue Jays

Paul Goldschmidt, 1B, free agent

Bryce Harper, 1B, Philadelphia Phillies

Gunnar Henderson, SS, Baltimore Orioles

Brice Turang, 2B, Milwaukee Brewers

Bobby Witt Jr., SS, Kansas City Royals

Outfielders