KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. will once again take the field for Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, with an even more prominent role expected than in the previous installment.
On Thursday, Witt confirmed his commitment to join the United States team under manager Mark DeRosa for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. This will be Witt’s second time participating with the national team.
During his last stint with Team USA in 2023, Witt was the youngest player on the roster at 22, following an impressive rookie season in Major League Baseball. In that tournament, he served as a reserve but managed to go 1 for 2 at the plate and acted as a pinch-runner in the final inning of the championship game, ultimately won by Shohei Ohtani and Japan.
Alongside Witt, notable players such as Yankees star Aaron Judge—set to be the U.S. team captain—and Pirates’ standout pitcher Paul Skenes are also set to represent Team USA in the next World Baseball Classic.
Witt expressed his excitement in an interview with MLB Network, stating, “It’s truly an honor. It’s something I’ve kinda dreamed about my whole entire life. Just being part of that team a couple years ago was amazing, and now we’re going to bring home the gold.”
Witt demonstrated his prowess on the field last season, finishing second to Judge in the American League MVP race, leading the majors with a .332 batting average. In the Kansas City Royals’ first 80 games this year, Witt posted a .285 average with 10 home runs and 40 RBIs.
Manager Mark DeRosa mentioned on MLB Network that he discussed the 2026 WBC with Witt during spring training, with Witt enthusiastically affirming his participation, humorously adding, “100%. I’m starting, right?”