Dodger BlueDodger BlueDodger Blue
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Spring Training
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 regular season
  • Team
    • Active roster
    • Salaries
  • Video
  • Odds
    • MLB Odds
    • NHL Odds
    • NFL Odds
    • NBA Odds
    • NCAAF Odds
    • NCAAB Odds
    • CFL Odds
    • UFC Odds
    • Boxing Odds
    • MLS Odds
    • PGA Odds
  • About
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
Font ResizerAa
Dodger BlueDodger Blue
Font ResizerAa
  • Dodgers News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
  • Team
  • Video
  • Odds
  • About
Search
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Spring Training
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 regular season
  • Team
    • Active roster
    • Salaries
  • Video
  • Odds
    • MLB Odds
    • NHL Odds
    • NFL Odds
    • NBA Odds
    • NCAAF Odds
    • NCAAB Odds
    • CFL Odds
    • UFC Odds
    • Boxing Odds
    • MLS Odds
    • PGA Odds
  • About
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Dodger Blue > Dodgers News > Dodgers News: Will Smith Hopes To Play For Team USA In 2026 World Baseball Classic
Dodgers NewsFeatured

Dodgers News: Will Smith Hopes To Play For Team USA In 2026 World Baseball Classic

Matt Borelli
March 29, 2023
3 Min Read
Will Smith, 2023 World Baseball Classic
Zachary BonDurant/USA TODAY Sports
SHARE

The 2023 World Baseball Classic reached a conclusion last week, with Team Japan earning an exciting 3-2 win over the United States in the championship game to capture the gold medal.

This year’s installment of the international tournament was the most successful yet, with multiple attendance, viewership, merchandise and social media records being set.

More importantly, the WBC was a major hit among the players who participated, including those who represented the Los Angeles Dodgers. David Peralta said it was one of the best experiences he has been a part of, and Austin Barnes and Mookie Betts both praised the event as well.

Will Smith, who was part of the Team USA roster with Betts, hopes to play for the country again during the 2026 WBC, per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic:

Will Smith said he’d love to be part of the World Baseball Classic again in 2026. Said that as the U.S. collected its silver medal, they collectively said they’d run it back in three years.

— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) March 23, 2023

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred announced the next WBC will be played in 2026. The tournament usually takes place every four years, but it will be held one year earlier to avoid a potential conflict with the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) set to expire after the 2026 season.

Smith was among the first-time participants in this year’s WBC. He split catching duties with J.T. Realmuto and went 3-for-10 with a home run in three games.

In addition to Smith, Team USA captain Mike Trout has already verbally committed to playing in the 2026 WBC. Smith also indicated that many players on the United States roster have expressed interest in running it back in three years.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts rooted for Team USA in WBC championship game

Although he was born in Japan, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts revealed he was rooting for Team USA in the WBC championship game. That was likely due to Betts and Smith being part of the roster, whereas no Dodgers players played for Japan.

Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:2026 World Baseball ClassicLos Angeles DodgersWill Smith
ByMatt Borelli
Matt Borelli covers the Los Angeles Dodgers as a staff writer for Dodger Blue and holds similar responsibilities for Lakers Nation, a sister site with an emphasis on the Los Angeles Lakers. He also contributes to RamsNewswire.com and RaidersNewswire.com. An avid fantasy sports player, Matt is a former 2014 MLB Beat the Streak co-champion. His favorite Dodgers moment, among a list of many, is Clayton Kershaw's no-hitter against the Colorado Rockies in 2014. Follow him on Twitter: @mcborelli.
Ad imageAd image
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

You Might Also Like

Corey Seager, 2020 World Series
Dodgers NewsFeatured

Dodgers News: Corey Seager Received Votes For 2020 NL MVP

November 13, 2020
November 13, 2020
Will Smith
FeaturedGame Central

Athletics Vs. Dodgers Game Preview: Will Smith Starts At Designated Hitter

August 3, 2023
August 4, 2023
Rick-honeycutt-dave-roberts-dodgers-2016-spring-training
Dodgers NewsSpring Training

Dave Roberts Confirms Dodgers Will Begin 2016 Regular Season With 5-Man Rotation

March 18, 2016
March 18, 2016
Austin Barnes, Tony Gonsolin
Dodgers NewsFeatured

Dodgers News: Tony Gonsolin Starting Game 3 Of NLDS; Tyler Anderson Going In Game 4

October 13, 2022
October 13, 2022

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?

  • 日本語
  • 한국어