Spring training is right around the corner, and with it comes the return of one of baseball’s most exciting international showcases: the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Team USA is gearing up with a roster that’s loaded with talent, headlined by the likes of Aaron Judge, Tarik Skubal, Paul Skenes, and Bobby Witt Jr. - a group that blends power, pitching, and speed in a way that should make any opponent nervous.
But the red, white, and blue will be missing one of their most dynamic weapons. Corbin Carroll, the electric outfielder known for his elite speed and all-around game, will sit out the WBC after undergoing surgery on his right hand. The injury throws a wrench into Team USA’s outfield plans, as Carroll was expected to be a key contributor both at the plate and in the field.
With Carroll sidelined, USA Baseball is actively evaluating replacement options. According to sources, names under consideration include Steven Kwan, Tyler Soderstrom, Riley Greene, Roman Anthony, James Wood, Wyatt Langford, and Kyle Stowers. It’s a list filled with young, rising talent - but one name stands out as a particularly natural fit: Steven Kwan.
Kwan brings a contact-first approach that could slot in nicely alongside the power bats already in the lineup. He hit .272 last season, with 11 home runs, 29 doubles, and 52 RBIs.
More impressively, he racked up 170 hits while striking out just 60 times - a rare level of plate discipline in today’s game. Add in his ability to handle both corner outfield spots, and you’ve got a player who checks a lot of boxes for what Team USA needs in Carroll’s absence.
The outfield is clearly where the replacement will come from, as the infield depth is already well-stocked. With stars like Witt Jr. anchoring the dirt, the focus shifts to finding the right outfield complement - someone who can contribute immediately and adapt to the high-stakes nature of international play.
Team USA will compete in Group B, alongside Mexico, Great Britain, Brazil, and Italy. Mexico looms as the biggest threat in the group, boasting a roster filled with experienced major leaguers who know how to perform on the international stage.
That matchup is set for March 9 in Houston, Texas, with Team USA serving as the home team. In fact, three of Team USA’s four group-stage games will be home contests, giving them a slight edge in terms of atmosphere and familiarity.
They’ll open the tournament on the road against Brazil before settling in for three straight at home.
Even without Carroll, Team USA enters the WBC as a serious contender. With a deep lineup, top-tier pitching, and a strong mix of veterans and young stars, the Americans have the tools to make a deep run. The only question now is who will step in to help fill Carroll’s shoes - and whether they can rise to the moment on one of baseball’s biggest stages.