There are many talented teams, but Team USA’s roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic stands out as extraordinary. Led by coach Mark DeRosa, this is undoubtedly the most impressive lineup Team USA has ever assembled. With Aaron Judge stepping in as team captain for his first WBC appearance, the excitement is palpable—it’s not just about the reigning American League MVP, but a whole roster loaded with star power.
Out of the 30 players on the U.S. squad, 22 have been MLB All-Stars, the highest number among all competing countries. The Dominican Republic follows with 16 former All-Stars, and Venezuela has 12. Using 2025 WAR statistics to measure player value, Team USA has arguably built the strongest WBC team in history.
Compared to three years ago, this group is even deeper. Alongside rookie sensation Judge and AL MVP Cal Raleigh, the team features two-time MVP Bryce Harper, two-time All-Star and 2023 Rookie of the Year Corbin Carroll, and two-time All-Star Byron Buxton. Returning key players include Bobby Witt Jr., Kyle Schwarber, and Will Smith.
What truly differentiates this roster, however, is its exceptional pitching staff. While securing top pitchers in the middle of a demanding MLB season often poses challenges, this year’s U.S. team boasts Cy Young Award winners Tarik Skubal and Paul Skeens. Their rotation is supplemented by two-time All-Star Logan Webb, 2025 All-Stars Joe Ryan and Matthew Boyd, and the newly retired Clayton Kershaw, who is making a comeback. Importantly, only four starters are required for the WBC tournament.
The pitching depth doesn’t end there: the bullpen features power arms like Mason Miller, David Bednar, and Griffin Jacks, making the relief corps equally formidable. With all this firepower, the U.S. team looks poised to bounce back from its 2023 finals loss and aim for international dominance, a title they last claimed in 2017. Yet, coach DeRosa faces tough choices in crafting the starting lineup and managing his pitching staff. While adjustments may be made on a game-by-game basis, an example of an ideal starting lineup has been proposed.
The suggested batting order includes Bobby Witt Jr. leading off, followed by Kyle Schwarber, Aaron Judge, Cal Raleigh, Bryce Harper, Alex Bregman, Gunnar Henderson, Byron Buxton, and Corbin Carroll. Defensively, the outfield is projected as Corbin Carroll in left, Byron Buxton in center, and Aaron Judge in right. While Pete Crowe-Armstrong might share time with Buxton, it seems the plan is to have their best defensive players and base stealers available off the bench for late innings.
In the infield, Bryce Harper is slotted at first base, Gunnar Henderson at second, Bobby Witt Jr. at shortstop, Alex Bregman at third, Cal Raleigh catching, and Kyle Schwarber as the designated hitter. Harper’s return is notable, especially after missing the 2023 tournament due to Tommy John surgery. Although Henderson’s role at second base is unconventional since he hasn’t played there since his rookie year, it’s expected that he and Witt will be combined strategically with Bregman to maximize offensive firepower. Raleigh and Schwarber, last year’s home run leaders in the AL and NL respectively, will be key contributors, with Will Smith providing backup behind the plate.
The starting rotation is anchored by left-hander Tarik Skubal, with right-handers Paul Skeens, Logan Webb, and Joe Ryan filling out the rotation. Additional pitching depth comes from swingmen and relievers alike, including Matthew Boyd, Nolan McLean, Clay Holmes, Michael Wacha, and the legendary Clayton Kershaw. DeRosa has an array of options, allowing him to reserve his top starters like Skubal and Skeens for critical games. The question of who will pitch in the final is open-ended, as any choice seems formidable.
The bullpen is stocked with right-handers Mason Miller, David Bednar, Griffin Jacks, Brad Keller, and Garrett Whitlock, along with left-handers Gabe Speier and Garrett Clevinger. Mason Miller, known for his 163 mph fastballs, is likely to be the closer, but David Bednar and the lefty specialists Speier and Clevinger also offer valuable versatility to tackle opposing lineups.
Fan Take: This lineup signals a thrilling new era for Team USA, blending established superstars with rising talent and elite pitching depth that could make the 2026 WBC a historic tournament. Baseball fans have every reason to be excited, as this team not only aims to reclaim international supremacy but also showcases the deep pool of talent that can energize the sport worldwide.
