With the 2026 World Baseball Classic just around the corner, Team USA is locking in a roster that’s not just loaded-it’s built to make a statement. After falling short against Japan in the last WBC final, there’s a clear sense of unfinished business. And judging by the names on this squad, the U.S. isn’t just showing up-they’re coming for redemption.
Team USA lands in Group B, where they’ll face Mexico, Great Britain, Italy, and Brazil. On paper, Mexico poses the biggest threat, but this American lineup is constructed to handle pressure and outmatch opponents across the board.
The roster is headlined by some of the game’s biggest stars. Aaron Judge brings his power and presence.
Bryce Harper, always the emotional heartbeat of any team he joins, adds postseason-tested leadership. Then there’s Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal-two electric arms who can dominate lineups in different ways.
That’s a mix of experience, firepower, and versatility that few teams in this tournament can match.
And just when you thought the bullpen couldn’t get deeper, Team USA added another weapon. Brad Keller, now with the Phillies organization, joins a relief corps that already includes Mason Miller, Gabe Speier, Griffin Jax, and David Bednar. Keller may be new to Philadelphia, but he’s no stranger to high-leverage situations.
Last season, Keller quietly put together one of the most effective years of his career. Over 68 appearances, he posted a 2.07 ERA and a 0.96 WHIP-numbers that speak to both consistency and command.
He struck out 75 batters in 69.2 innings, and his 25 holds and three saves show he’s comfortable in a setup role or closing if needed. That kind of flexibility is gold in tournament play, where matchups and momentum shift quickly.
Keller’s journey has been anything but linear. He started his big-league career with the Royals as a starter from 2018 through 2023.
Since then, he’s bounced around-spending time with the White Sox, Red Sox, and most recently the Cubs in 2025. But that winding path has refined him into a valuable bullpen piece, one that Team USA can lean on in the late innings.
With Keller likely slotting in as a setup man for Miller and Bednar, guys like Speier and Jax will give the U.S. solid middle-relief options. It’s a well-rounded bullpen-built for depth, but also capable of shutting the door when it matters most.
The roster is nearly finalized now, sitting at 26 players with the recent additions of Clayton Kershaw and Alex Bregman. Kershaw brings Hall of Fame pedigree and a wealth of international experience, while Bregman adds infield stability and a clutch bat.
There’s no question-this Team USA squad is built to win now. They’ve got the power, the arms, and the motivation. And with the memory of that loss to Japan still fresh, don’t be surprised if this group comes out swinging from the first pitch.