Overview

• USA Baseball announced on June 26 that Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. has committed to play for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
• Manager Mark DeRosa confirmed Witt will serve as the team’s starting shortstop after appearing primarily as a reserve in the 2023 tournament.
• Witt joins a roster headlined by captain Aaron Judge and ace Paul Skenes as part of Team USA’s pursuit of its first Classic title.
• The 25-year-old led MLB with a .332 batting average in 2024 and signed an 11-year, $288.7 million extension with Kansas City last offseason.
• The tournament is set to begin on March 5, 2026, with Team USA opening pool play in Houston against Brazil, Great Britain, Italy and Mexico.