As the 2026 World Baseball Classic approaches – set to begin on March 5 with games across Miami, Houston, San Juan, and Tokyo – the intensity surrounding Team USA is already palpable.
Memories of the 2023 finale remain fresh, when Team Japan narrowly defeated the United States 3-2, with Shohei Ohtani famously striking out Mike Trout for the decisive out. Ohtani‘s recent remarks, playfully referencing that moment, have reignited the competitive fire in the U.S. camp.
Rather than backing down, Team USA stars like Aaron Judge and Kyle Schwarber are using it as motivation to reclaim the title.
Judge, named captain for this year’s WBC, did not participate in 2023, choosing to focus on settling into his role with the New York Yankees. This time, however, he embraces leadership for the national squad.
Following a strong Spring Training performance, including two home runs in a single game, Judge spoke about unfinished business from the previous season and his excitement to compete on baseball’s global stage.
“We’ve got the WBC coming up, which I’m excited about, and an exciting Yankees season. We’ve got a lot of unfinished business from last season, especially the way it ended for us. I’m just trying to put myself in the best position to help this team win a lot of ballgames,” said Judge.
Schwarber hoping to lead USA to success
Kyle Schwarber has echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Team USA’s determination to capture gold. Having been a key offensive contributor in 2023, Schwarber hit home runs in both the opening and final games against Great Britain and Japan.
His eighth-inning homer against Japan in the final narrowed the score to a single run, though the U.S. ultimately fell short. Now, Schwarber says he’s focused solely on the medal that matters most.
Drawing inspiration from the U.S. men’s hockey team winning Olympic gold, Schwarber is channeling that competitive spirit into baseball, seeing the WBC as his own “mini-Olympics.”
Schwarber expressed that representing the United States offers a unique source of motivation, pushing players to perform at their peak. “This is our time to represent our country. It gives you that motivation, you know? Being that we’re going to be heading into that and knowing what to expect,” he explained.
His focus on national pride and team achievement underscores the broader mindset of the roster.
With both Judge and Schwarber leading the charge, Team USA enters the WBC with a strong mix of talent and determination. The squad’s depth – from pitchers to sluggers – is designed to challenge Japan’s defending champions, who remain a formidable opponent.
Beyond individual skills, it is this collective drive, fueled by past heartbreak, that could define Team USA’s path to gold.
Read the full article here
