Mike Trout Remains in the Mix for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, but Questions Linger
Mike Trout’s health and role concerns influence Team USA’s roster decisions as they prioritize pitching and balance for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, tournament starts March 6.
- Dec 9, 2025, in Orlando, Mike Trout remains under consideration for Team USA's 2026 World Baseball Classic roster, manager Mark DeRosa said Trout is in the mix for one of the final spots.
- Because of meniscus surgery in 2024 and a May bruise, Mike Trout's recent injury history complicates his availability despite hitting 26 home runs in 130 games.
- Team USA announced four more position players on Tuesday: Kyle Schwarber, Gunnar Henderson, Brice Turang and Will Smith join Aaron Judge, Corbin Carroll, Pete Crow-Armstrong and Cal Raleigh.
- If Trout signs and stays healthy, DeRosa said his presence alone could shift the clubhouse dynamic, but he must weigh carrying a full-time designated hitter on a short roster prioritizing defense, speed, versatility, and balance as finalization continues over the next few weeks.
- Officials confirmed ongoing conversations at the MLB winter meetings in Orlando with Mike Trout and others, and Mike Hill said, `We were respectful of everyone's season and making sure they got through healthy` and `We want our best to participate`.
24 Articles
24 Articles
Mike Trout remains in the mix for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, but questions linger
Mike Trout, the cornerstone of Team USA’s 2023 World Baseball Classic run, is still under consideration as the roster for the 2026 tournament takes shape.
Dodgers News: Will Smith Named To Team USA Roster For 2026 World Baseball Classic
Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star Will Smith was among the players named to the Team USA roster on Tuesday for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Smith is joined by Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber, Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang and Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson as newcomers to the USA team. New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge, Arizona Diamondbacks right fielder Corbin Carroll, Chicago Cubs center fielder Pet…
Where Team USA stands for the 2026 World Baseball Classic and the mandatory fixes they need to make to the roster in order to win it all
Team USA is shaping up to be absolutely loaded for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, but before we go around patting ourselves on the back, we need to address the obvious. The roster is good. It can be great, and I am here to make sure we don’t embarrass ourselves on the international stage by pretending that every early projection is gospel. I am going to clean this thing up but before I get into it, let’s be very clear to those who will inevita…
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