Bobby Witt Jr. Confirmed for the 2026 World Baseball Classic
Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. will once again represent the United States in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, it was announced on Thursday.
Witt, 25, joins the group of MLB stars who have confirmed their participation with Team USA.
The announcement of Witt Jr. joins the list of confirmed players, including the powerful hitter of the New York Yankees, Aaron Judge, and the ace of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Paul Skenes.
Witt, who was the runner-up in the voting for the American League Most Valuable Player last season, currently exhibits a batting average of .285 with 10 home runs, 40 RBIs, and an OPS of .822 this season, prior to Thursday’s game. In 2024, he led the majors with a batting average of .332.
The player already participated in the 2023 WBC, where he went 1-for-2 in a pinch-hitter role. In addition, he was a pinch runner in the ninth inning in the United States’ 3-2 loss to Japan in the championship game.
