BREAKING: Team USA is reshaping its roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, and all eyes are on superstar Mike Trout. During the MLB winter meetings in Orlando, manager Mark DeRosa confirmed that Trout is “in the mix” for a roster spot, pending his health and willingness to participate.
As Team USA gears up for its opening game against Brazil on March 6, 2026, in Houston, the decision on Trout’s involvement could significantly impact the team’s dynamics. “We’re talking to him, we’re talking to a couple other players, and trying to figure out what Mike wants to do,” DeRosa stated, emphasizing the importance of Trout’s role.
Trout, a two-time AL MVP, faces a pivotal moment after struggling with injuries, including a bruised left knee that put him on the injured list last season. His health remains a major concern for Team USA, as he primarily played as a designated hitter, posting a .232 batting average with 26 home runs in 130 games during the 2024 season.
DeRosa acknowledges the complexities of including a player like Trout, who also needs to be ready for the Los Angeles Angels next season. “He didn’t play much defensively, if at all, so it’s a give and take—what he wants to do, what he feels comfortable with,” DeRosa explained.
In a surge of roster announcements, Team USA has added four new players: designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, infielders Gunnar Henderson and Brice Turang, and catcher Will Smith. They join captain Aaron Judge and other key players like outfielders Corbin Carroll and Pete Crow-Armstrong.
On the pitching front, Paul Skenes, the National League Cy Young Award winner, leads the U.S. roster, supported by left-hander Matthew Boyd and reliever Garrett Whitlock. General manager Mike Hill emphasized the need for a strong pitching lineup. “Now that we’re into the offseason and gearing up for the tournament, we’ll amp up our pitching process,” Hill stated.
The quest for talent continues, with Hill eyeing two-time AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal as a top target. “We want our best to participate,” Hill asserted, highlighting the importance of having elite players on the team.
DeRosa noted that the goal is not just to gather stars but to build a cohesive unit with the right mix of defense, speed, and versatility. The memory of the crushing loss to Japan in the 2023 WBC final, where Shohei Ohtani struck out Trout to end the game, remains a powerful motivator for the team’s construction.
For now, Trout’s decision looms large over Team USA’s preparations. His participation could redefine the clubhouse atmosphere, but until official confirmation is made, the situation remains fluid.
Stay tuned for further updates as the roster continues to take shape and the countdown to the 2026 World Baseball Classic begins.
