The United States is reloading for a World Baseball Classic run in 2026, and Bobby Witt Jr. is already locked in.
The Kansas City Royals’ franchise shortstop and MLB star confirmed Thursday that he’s committing to Team USA, per ESPN.
“It’s truly an honor,” Witt told MLB Network. “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.”
That’s the tone Witt is bringing to the WBC this time around. He’s not just showing up. He’s showing out. After a brief role in 2023, Witt made it clear he’s ready for more — and manager Mark DeRosa is likely just as ready to hand him the keys at shortstop.
Witt Jr. Enters 2026 With Significant Role Change
When DeRosa reached out, Witt responded like a guy who’s not there to fill a spot: “I’m starting, right?”
In 2023, Witt played a minor role on the stacked U.S. roster that reached the final before falling to Japan. He notched just two plate appearances and served mostly as a late-game option.
But that version of Witt was still developing. Since then, he’s become one of the most dynamic players in the league, and one of the most respected. And this time, he’s entering the tournament with a clear goal — win gold, and earn it on the field.
Witt’s numbers for the Royals speak for themselves. In 2024, he finished second in AL MVP voting, right behind Aaron Judge, after leading the majors with a .332 batting average. It was the breakout season everyone in Kansas City had been waiting for, and a national reminder that he’s no longer just a prospect with tools — he’s a franchise centerpiece.
Now in 2025, he’s kept that momentum going, hitting .285 with 10 homers, 40 RBIs, and an OPS over .820 through the first half.
Team USA’s Outlook Following Royals Star’s Commitment
The early commitment from Witt also signals something bigger for Team USA. He joins Aaron Judge and Paul Skenes as marquee names already on board — a core group that gives DeRosa a foundation to build around. Judge is the face. Skenes is the future. Witt is both — young enough to be a long-term star, established enough to lead now. And when guys like this sign on early, it sends a message: the U.S. isn’t taking anything for granted.
That loss to Japan in 2023 still stings. It was a reminder that no matter how much talent is on the roster, chemistry and urgency matter. Other nations — Japan, the Dominican Republic, Venezuela — aren’t just showing up to participate. They’re showing up to win.
If Team USA wants to keep pace, they need players who bring more than big league stats. They need players like Witt, who play with purpose.
“It’s so special to be able to represent the best country, I believe, in the world,” Witt told MLB Network. “It’s so special to do that. You’re always playing for the team on your chest, but there [the WBC], it just means more.”
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