Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. confirmed on Thursday that he will represent Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, joining New York Yankees star and team captain Aaron Judge along with Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes. These three athletes are the first to officially commit to Team USA for the prestigious international tournament.
Bobby Witt Jr. brings a strong family legacy to the lineup, as his father, Bobby Witt Sr., competed for Team USA at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, where the team earned a silver medal.
Bobby Witt Jr.’s Previous Experience and Impact on Team USA
Witt was part of the 2023 Team USA roster that finished second in the World Baseball Classic, losing in the final to Japan. During that tournament, Witt was just entering his second Major League Baseball season and contributed primarily as a pinch-runner behind the USA’s starting double-play pair, Tim Anderson and Trea Turner. Witt recorded a double in one of his two at-bats and took part in five games throughout the event.
“It’s a blast. These are the things you dream of,”
Witt shared with USA Today at the time.
“It’s like a two-way All-Star game. It’s incredible just getting around these guys, seeing all of the All-Stars, and the work they put in. You’re just talking about baseball, or whatever, every single day, which is awesome. You kind of emulate what those guys are doing, and learning what I need to do to get ready. Believe me, I’m soaking it all in.”
—Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals shortstop
Witt’s Current Season and Standing Among Baseball Elite
Now 25 years old, Witt is having an impressive 2026 season, hitting .282 with an on-base percentage of .338 and a slugging percentage of .484. He has already tallied 10 home runs and 21 stolen bases, while leading Major League Baseball with 27 doubles so far. In 2024, Witt finished second to Aaron Judge in American League MVP voting, after leading all players with a .332 batting average and 211 hits, earning his second consecutive season as a 30/30 player (30 home runs and 30 steals).
2026 World Baseball Classic Schedule and Team USA’s Group
The upcoming World Baseball Classic begins on March 5, 2026, culminating in the championship game on March 17 at loanDepot Park in Miami. Team USA will compete in Pool B alongside Brazil, Great Britain, Italy, and Mexico as they aim for the title.
The Significance of Building a Strong Roster Around Aaron Judge
With Aaron Judge leading the team as captain, the addition of Bobby Witt Jr. and Paul Skenes signals Team USA’s determination to assemble a roster capable of reclaiming the World Baseball Classic championship. Witt’s combination of speed, hitting ability, and prior international experience positions him as a vital component in this effort. The team’s early commitments suggest a focused and passionate approach heading into the 2026 tournament, which promises intense competition among the world’s best players.