Team USA Locks In Pete Crow-Armstrong as DeRosa Builds a Defense-First WBC Roster

Overview

• Mark DeRosa called Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong the best defender in the game and said his presence lets Aaron Judge stay in right field.
• Crow-Armstrong and left-hander Matthew Boyd have publicly committed to Team USA as roster construction continues for the 2026 tournament.
• Team Canada GM Greg Hamilton said Cubs prospect Owen Caissie is set to join Canada’s roster for a second WBC appearance.
• Representatives from Mexico and Venezuela reported mutual interest in Cubs pitchers Javier Assad and Daniel Palencia, contingent on the Cubs’ approval.
• Team coverage indicates as many as eight Cubs could take part, with Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga still undecided for Japan and Miguel Amaya in consideration for Panama, while the WBC runs March 5–17 at multiple sites.