Hours before winning the Home Run Derby at Truist Park, Seattle Mariners All-Star Cal Raleigh announced he will join Team USA for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
“It’s an incredible honor,” Raleigh said of representing his country in the tournament. “I think every kid who plays sports, that crosses everybody’s mind. In every sport, there’s a country you can represent.
“Growing up, watching Miracle, Rocky IV, you love the USA and want to play for your country. To get that opportunity is something you can’t pass up and something I think is going to be amazing.
“Kind of similar to this. Get to be around some of the best players in the world. It’s great for the game of baseball too, people tuning in. I know a couple years ago it was awesome how much people were watching and invested in the games. It’s going to be a lot of fun and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Raleigh has been one of the best stories in baseball this season as he leads the Majors with 38 home runs and 82 RBI in 94 games. After a record-setting first half, he will now play in his first All-Star Game on Tuesday night.
Raleigh joins Team USA captain Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Paul Skenes and Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals as players who have committed to join manager Mark DeRosa’s squad.
Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star Will Smith and Pete Crow-Armstrong of the Chicago Cubs are among other players who have expressed interest in playing for Team USA.
The United States will play in Pool B for the upcoming World Baseball Classic, which is scheduled for March 5-17, 2026. Team USA is looking to bounce back after losing to Japan in the 2023 championship game.
Cal Raleigh makes Home Run Derby history
Raleigh became the first catcher and second-ever Mariners player to win the Home Run Derby, joining Ken Griffey Jr., who achieved the feat an MLB-record three times (1994, 1998-1999).
Raleigh hit 18 home runs in the final round to defeat the Tampa Bay Rays’ Junior Caminero. Raleigh finished with a total of 54 home runs in this year’s Derby.
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