Team USA’s 2026 World Baseball Classic roster is starting to take shape-and it’s looking like a squad built to make a serious run. With Clayton Kershaw already on board, the latest wave of commitments brings two more notable names into the fold: Alex Bregman and Brad Keller.
Bregman is back in red, white, and blue
For Alex Bregman, this isn’t his first rodeo on the international stage. He was part of the 2017 Team USA roster that won it all, though he played a limited role back then as a 23-year-old bench bat.
Even so, he made the most of his opportunity, going 2-for-4 with a walk in his brief appearances. Now, nearly a decade later and with multiple World Series rings to his name, Bregman returns as a seasoned veteran-and a key piece of the infield puzzle.
His announcement came during his introductory press conference with the Chicago Cubs, marking a new chapter in his MLB career and a renewed commitment to Team USA. He’ll slot in at third base alongside Ernie Clement, giving the team a mix of power, experience, and defensive reliability at the hot corner. The full roster will be finalized in early February, but Bregman’s inclusion already adds a championship pedigree and a proven postseason performer to the mix.
Keller adds firepower to the bullpen
On the pitching side, Brad Keller gives Team USA a versatile arm with recent momentum. After transitioning to a full-time bullpen role in 2025, Keller turned in a breakout season with the Cubs, posting a 2.07 ERA over 68 appearances. That performance earned him a two-year, $22 million deal with the Phillies this offseason-and now, a spot on the national team.
Keller brings more than just strong numbers. His background as a starter gives Team USA some flexibility in how he’s deployed, but after last season, there’s little doubt he’ll be leaned on as a high-leverage reliever. In a short tournament like the WBC, where bullpen depth is often the difference between a deep run and an early exit, arms like Keller’s are invaluable.
Looking ahead to March
Team USA is set to compete in Pool B when the World Baseball Classic kicks off from March 5-17, 2026. After falling to Japan in the 2023 championship game, there’s no shortage of motivation for this group to reclaim the crown. With names like Kershaw, Bregman, and Keller already committed, the foundation is being laid for a roster that blends star power with playoff-tested grit.
There’s still plenty of time for more names to join, but one thing’s clear: Team USA isn’t just showing up-they’re coming to win.