The United States national team continues to strengthen a lineup that was already one of the most powerful in international baseball. Facing the World Baseball Classic 2026, The roster has added new high-level pieces: Kyle Schwarber, Brice Turang, Gunnar Henderson and Will Smith. Each one arrives to strengthen different areas of the team led by Mark DeRosa, which seeks to recover the title that it has not lifted since 2017.
Tuesday’s announcements join a previous list of players already committed to the national team, which includes names of enormous media and sports weight: Aaron Judge, Corbin Carroll, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Bobby Witt Jr., Cal Raleigh and Paul Skenes.
Judge, current winner of his third American League Most Valuable Player award, will also be the captain of the American team.
Elite reinforcements for a team determined to fight for the title
The United States will return to the tournament with the memory still fresh of the painful final loss in 2023 against Japan. That edition was marked by the confrontation between Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout, a duel that ended with the decisive strike that sealed the crown for the Japanese. Since then, American players’ interest in competing in the event has grown, and the team seems more determined than ever to regain the spotlight.
The debut of the Stars and Stripes team will be on March 6 against Brazil at Daikin Park in Houston, within Group B. Meanwhile, DeRosa and general manager Mike Hill continue to complete the 30-player roster.
Among the new additions, Kyle Schwarber He brings proven hitting power and experience in pressure scenarios. Although figures from his last season were not detailed, his role as designated hitter will be an important piece in the offensive heart of the lineup.
Brice Turang26 years old and coming from the Brewers, is experiencing one of the strongest moments of his career. Winner of the Gold Glove in 2024, he closed 2025 with an offensive line of .288/.359/.435, 18 home runs and 28 doubles. His defense at second base adds balance to an already deep roster.
Gunnar Hendersona figure of the Orioles, missed the 2023 Classic due to lack of experience in the Major Leagues, but his rise was meteoric: he won the American League Rookie of the Year and finished fourth in the MVP voting in 2024. In 2025 he maintained his level with an OPS of .787, 17 home runs, 34 doubles and 30 stolen bases. His presence gives the United States another luxury alternative at shortstop alongside Witt Jr.
For its part, the receiver Will Smith arrives as current champion of the World Series with the Dodgersremembered for the decisive home run in the 11th inning of Game 7. At 30 years old, he had a .296/.404/.497 season with 17 homers and 20 doubles. His .834 OPS since 2019 is the best among MLB catchers with at least 2,000 at-bats. Will share the reception with Cal Raleigh, American League MVP runner-up.
With more figures to be announced and a core full of stars, the United States is once again emerging as one of the favorites to compete for the title in 2026. The objective is clear: recover the crown and leave behind the frustration of the last tournament.
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