The World Baseball Classic is one of the best sports events in the world when it comes around. And not surprisingly, the United States is probably going to be a team to beat. This is what the roster should and could look like.
Projecting Team USA in the World Baseball Classic
RF: Aaron Judge
Aaron Judge didn’t compete in the last World Baseball Classic because of his free agency. However, with that behind him, Judge will play captain for Team USA. In right field, the Judge could continue to play the outfield, but in a less prominent defensive position. With this prominent power threat, the US is a much better team. Judge is the most powerful home run hitter in the world, and don’t expect him to be an easy out.
CF: Pete Crow-Armstrong
This really is more of an idea. Pete Crow-Armstrong first needs to want to join the roster. However, the possibility remains high. If Crow-Armstrong decides to join Team USA, then the USA can easily put the stud of a defender in center field. Crow-Armstrong’s 2025 season has easily made him the prime candidate for the job, and this would be a great thing for the US if he does join.
LF: Kyle Tucker
Kyle Tucker joined the last team and will likely join this one as well. If Tucker does, it gives Team USA a powerful bat that would complete an amazing outfield. The outfield from the last WBC isn’t close to the potential of this one. With Tucker, the US would add a superstar who can do it all.
3B: Gunnar Henderson
This idea seems to be too good to be true for the US. Gunnar Henderson is an amazing defender with some power and has also batted with a high average. Many of the infielders from the last WBC were worn-out veterans. Henderson brings young, dynamic talent to the team.
SS: Bobby Witt Jr.
Bobby Witt Jr. isn’t quite having the MVP season he did last year, but Witt will likely take this position anyway. Again, Witt is like Henderson as he is a great defender with some power and average. Witt can also steal a bag and will add some dynamic young talent to the team. With Witt, Henderson, PCA, and others, is this the best defensive team in the WBC?
2B: Mookie Betts
Mookie Betts is a clutch player who can pack a punch when he wants to. Hopefully, Betts will end the season on a better note than he began it on. He is at times overrated, but as a great defender and a great bat that doesn’t strike out much, Betts adds veteran talent to a younger team.
1B: Pete Alonso
Pete Alonso is the best option for Team USA team in 2026. Alonso has had a monster season and is just overall better than Bryce Harper offensively. Harper can certainly be clutch, but with Alonso’s 2025 season being so good, the USA should go with the Mets’ first baseman. With Alonso, Team USA should settle him in and let him work his magic.
C: Cal Raleigh
Cal Raleigh pretty much said that he would do this in a heartbeat. Raleigh is a beast with great power, defense, and can even sprinkle in a little average. The United States has Raleigh as a potential catcher? Yikes. This team is good.
DH: Mike Trout
Mike Trout was pretty much the best player on this team a few years ago. Trout isn’t anymore with such a great team and will probably play DH for Team USA. With Trout at DH, he doesn’t really risk injury and adds a powerful bat to the lineup.
- Bobby Witt Jr., SS
- Mookie Betts, 2B
- Aaron Judge, RF
- Pete Alonso, 1B
- Kyle Tucker, LF
- Cal Raleigh, C
- Mike Trout, DH
- Pete Crow-Armstrong, CF
- Gunnar Henderson, 3B
In the lineup, allow Witt Jr. to lead off and then Betts and Judge. RBI man Alonso is perfect for the fourth spot, while the end of the lineup will become no less dangerous.
Overall, the lineup in 2023 was impressive. However, this one could be the dream team. Team USA has young studs, experienced veterans, RBI, and home run machines. Certainly, they could be the team to beat in the 2026 WBC.
Main Image: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
