Bobby Witt Jr. Gears Up for WBC Battle - Even if it Means Facing His Royals Teammates
**SURPRISE, Ariz. ** - Bobby Witt Jr. isn’t just prepping for another spring with the Royals - he’s getting ready for the world stage.
And when the 2026 World Baseball Classic kicks off, he’ll be chasing more than just base hits and highlight-reel plays. He’s chasing a championship.
Even if it means going head-to-head with some familiar faces in the opposing dugout.
“It’s always fun getting to face up against those guys,” Witt said, referencing the intensity of international competition. “You saw it whenever Kobe was doing it with Team USA - he plowed through a screen on Pau Gasol or whoever it was.
When you’re out there, you’re trying to win. That’s what my mantra is.
They’re teammates now, and when that comes, we’re still teammates. But for me, I always want to win.”
That competitive fire will be tested soon enough. Witt is one of several Royals suiting up for their countries in the WBC.
He’ll represent Team USA alongside teammate Michael Wacha. On the other side of the diamond?
Vinnie Pasquantino and Jac Caglianone, who will don the colors of Team Italy. That matchup is set for March 10 in Pool B play - and it’s already shaping up to be one of the more intriguing early-round showdowns.
But the Royals’ WBC presence doesn’t stop there. Seth Lugo is set to pitch for Puerto Rico, while veteran catcher Salvador Perez and infielder Maikel Garcia will represent Venezuela.
And anchoring the bullpen for the Dominican Republic? Kansas City closer Carlos Estévez.
For Witt, this marks his second appearance in the WBC, though his role this time around will be far more significant. He saw limited action in the 2023 tournament, but now, Team USA is counting on him to be a central figure in its push for the title. That shift in responsibility has shaped his entire offseason.
“Just making sure that my body is right,” Witt said. “Making sure I’m on my feet a lot more during this time before spring training and everything.
Making sure my legs are ready and my arms are ready. Just making sure that I’m ready to get going from pitch one of the WBC and pitch one from the first game of the spring.”
That early ramp-up is no small thing. If Team USA makes a deep run - and especially if they reach the championship game on March 17 in Miami - Witt will miss a sizable chunk of Royals camp. He’d only have a few spring games under his belt before Opening Day prep begins in earnest.
That’s why his offseason work has been so meticulous. Kansas City knows how vital Witt is to their 2026 hopes.
He’s the engine of the lineup, a two-way threat with elite speed, pop, and defensive instincts. And if the Royals are going to return to postseason relevance, he’ll be a big reason why.
“I feel like there is room for improvement in all the parts of my game,” Witt said. “And that’s what I feel like I did. I feel great coming into this year and just trying to be consistent as possible and stay healthy through it all.”
The Royals officially open Cactus League play on Friday against the Texas Rangers at Surprise Stadium. Witt has just over two weeks before he shifts gears and joins Team USA in Houston, where they’ll begin pool play at Daikin Park. From there, the road to Miami - and the WBC title - begins.
Last time around, Japan edged out the United States in the 2023 final. This time, Witt’s hoping to flip the script - and maybe collect a little bragging rights over his Royals teammates along the way.
“I feel more ready than I would’ve coming into any other spring training,” Witt said. “So yeah, it’s going to be a lot of fun and a lot of excitement.”