The WBC kicks off in just about a month, with Team Japan looking to repeat after its dramatic triumph in the 2023 tournament and Team USA gearing up to try and reclaim the crown. Tonight, full rosters were revealed for all 20 of the participating teams.
We already knew that Aaron Judge would be assuming the role of Captain America, the best hitter on the planet committing to manning the outfield for the US and being named team captain last April. Judge is the only Yankee hitter in the Team USA lineup, with Cody Bellinger declining to participate to focus on his leadup to the 2026 MLB season. David Bednar will join Judge on Team USA, the closer the only Yankee pitcher suiting up for the US.
Even with only two Yankees on the US card, Yankees will dot rosters across the tourney. Great Britain will have a strong pinstriped contingent, with the Bahamian-born Jazz Chisholm Jr. leading the way. Right-handed pitching prospect Brendan Beck will also join Team Great Britain, as well as Yankees catching coordinator Tanner Swanson, who will be a part of the coaching staff.
The Dominican Republic will also feature a few Yankees. Reliever Camilo Doval figures to be a significant part of the DR’s bullpen, while Austin Wells will be behind the plate, with Wells eligible to play for the DR due to his Dominican heritage on his mother’s side of the family. Utilityman Amed Rosario will also suit up for the Dominican Republic.
Top pitching prospect Elmer Rodríguez is slated to join Team Puerto Rico, as is Fernando Cruz. Team PR has suffered serious hits to its roster, with stars like Carlos Correa and Francisco Lindor unable to participate due to issues securing insurance.
Elsewhere, bench coach Brad Ausmus will manage Team Israel, and Jose Caballero plays for Panama. A few old friends, though no longer part of the Yankee organization, also will pop up in a few spots. Didi Gregorius will represent the Netherlands once more, while a couple of former Yankee backstops will represent Italy, as Francisco Cervelli will manage the team, and Jorge Posada will be on the coaching staff. Paul Goldschmidt, still unsigned but most recently of the Yankees, will have a spot on Team USA’s bench.
WBC exhibition games will begin on March 3rd, while the first pool play game will take place on March 4th. The United States will begin its campaign in Houston with a matchup against Brazil. You can check out the entire schedule here and the rosters in full here.
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