Philadelphia Phillies All-Star Bryce Harper announced on social media that he is joining the Team USA roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
“Put the colors on my chest for the 1st time when I was 15. No other feeling like it,” Harper wrote in an Instagram post. “I’m excited to announce I will be representing Team USA this year in the WBC. Merica! 🇺🇸 #forglory”
It will be Harper’s first time participating in the WBC. He previously committed to playing in the 2023 event but had to back out due to his Tommy John surgery recovery.
Harper also won gold medals as a member of USA Baseball’s 16U and 18U teams in 2008 and 2009, respectively.
The 33-year-old appeared in 132 games for the Phillies this past season, hitting .261/.357/.487 with 32 doubles, 27 home runs, 75 RBI and 12 stolen bases.
Harper is expected to play first base for Team USA, a position he permanently switched to in 2024 after moving from the outfield.
Team USA will announce its full roster in the coming weeks. Harper joins a star-studded group that already includes New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge, Seattle Mariners slugger Cal Raleigh and Phillies teammate Kyle Schwarber.
The United States will play in Pool B for the 2026 WBC, which is scheduled for March 5-17, 2026. Team USA is looking to bounce back after losing to Japan in the 2023 championship game.
Team USA roster commits
Hitters: Corbin Carroll, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Bryce Harper, Gunnar Henderson, Aaron Judge, Cal Raleigh, Kyle Schwarber, Will Smith, Brice Turang, Bobby Witt Jr.
Pitchers: David Bednar, Matthew Boyd, Garrett Cleavinger, Clay Holmes, Griffin Jax, Nolan McLean, Mason Miller, Joe Ryan, Paul Skenes, Tarik Skubal, Logan Webb, Garrett Whitlock
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