World Baseball Classic 2026: Mike Trout eyes spot in Team USA alongside its new captain

Baseball player Mike Trout has revealed that he expects to suit up for Team USA at the World Baseball Classic 2026. He stated the desire to help the country win the title, which they narrowly missed in 2023. The Los Angeles Angels superstar-led 2023 squad lost a dramatic final to Japan.

Trout said that he had great conversations with the current Team USA manager Mark DeRose and newly-appointed captain Aaron Judge last week.

According to an MLB news report, Trout said that there, undoubtedly, was a lot of unfinished business. He, ahead of the Angels’ 4-0 loss to the Texas Rangers on Tuesday, said that he wants and expects to play.

Trout endorses Judge as new captain

Reportedly, Trout, who is 11-time All Star and three-time American League MVP, voiced full support for Aaron’s captaincy too. He remarked that DeRosa personally informed him of the decision.

Mike said it was no surprise that Judge was picked to be the new captain, given he was MVP last year. He added that he shares good rapport with Aaron and they had a good conversation. He, moreover, said he respects DeRosa a lot and that he’s good friends with the Team USA manager.

Trout said that playing under him (DeRosa) at the last WBC was a bonding experience—with him and other players across the league. The player also mentioned that it was really cool to see how other players worked off the field and also spent time with their families.

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No ego clash with Judge over field position

Trout and Judge both primarily play in the right field now. When asked about potential conflict over positioning, he expressed that he just wants to win the WBC title and that he is confident that DeRose will find a solution.

Trout, according to the MLB report, moved to the right field this season to stay healthier after injury setbacks. He previously played centerfield for much of his career. Judge, too, has experience in center but plays right for the Yankees.

In 2023, Trout and Dodgers star Mookie Betts were key recruiters for Team USA. He believed that this year, the buzz around the tournament will make the job easier. Reportedly, he said that the people were intrigued by the WBC and many players want to be a part of it next year.

What’s next?

The 2026 WBC will be hosted in four international cities—San Juan, Houston, Tokyo, and Miami—next March. Although Judge is the lone confirmed member of the Team USA roster to date, Trout's probable return increases optimism that other big names will soon join him.

Until that point, Trout and Judge are concentrating on their MLB seasons. Trout is batting .196 with six home runs and 14 RBIs on 56 at-bats, while Judge has gotten off to a scorching start with a.367 average and 20 RBIs in 60 at-bats.

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FAQs:

Q: Is Mike Trout confirmed for the 2026 World Baseball Classic?
Not yet officially, but Trout has stated he “wants to and expects to play” for Team USA.

Q: Who is the captain of Team USA for WBC 2026?
New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge has been named the captain for the upcoming tournament.