Cal Raleigh Joins Team USA for 2026 World Baseball Classic

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Cal Raleigh Joins Team USA for 2026 World Baseball Classic/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Seattle Mariners slugger Cal Raleigh will represent Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, joining stars Aaron Judge, Paul Skenes, and Bobby Witt Jr. Raleigh’s commitment bolsters an already powerful American roster. Meanwhile, MLB weighs allowing its players to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge signals to fans after he hit his 300th career home run, the fastest player to do so in MLB history, in a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox, Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Team USA Baseball Update Quick Looks

Cal Raleigh commits to play for Team USA in WBC
Raleigh leads MLB with 38 homers, 82 RBIs at break
Joins lineup featuring Aaron Judge, Paul Skenes, Bobby Witt Jr.
World Baseball Classic runs March 5-17, 2026
Japan enters WBC as defending champion
Olympic baseball set for July 15-20, 2028, at Dodger Stadium
MLB exploring participation for 2028 Olympic baseball tournament
Olympic softball scheduled for July 23-29, 2028, in Oklahoma City

LSU pitcher Paul Skenes holds his MVP trophy as he celebrates their win over Florida in Game 3 of the NCAA College World Series baseball finals in Omaha, Neb., Monday, June 26, 2023. LSU won the national championship 18-4. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)

Deep Look

Cal Raleigh Joins Star-Studded Team USA Roster for 2026 World Baseball Classic, MLB Eyes Olympic Participation

ATLANTA (AP) — Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, one of Major League Baseball’s premier power hitters, has officially committed to playing for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, further strengthening an American squad already packed with star talent.

USA Baseball made the announcement Monday, just hours before Raleigh stepped into the batter’s box for the All-Star Home Run Derby. The 28-year-old slugger entered the All-Star break leading the majors with an impressive 38 home runs and 82 RBIs, solidifying his reputation as one of the most fearsome hitters in baseball.

“Wearing the USA jersey is something I’ve dreamed about since I was a kid,” Raleigh said. “Representing my country on the biggest stage in baseball is an honor, and I can’t wait to join the guys and compete for a championship.”

A Powerhouse Team USA Lineup

Raleigh joins a formidable U.S. roster headlined by team captain Aaron Judge, New York Yankees superstar and perennial MVP candidate. Pittsburgh Pirates’ young pitching phenom Paul Skenes and Kansas City Royals’ dynamic shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. have also pledged to suit up for Team USA.

The American team looks to reclaim WBC supremacy after Japan captured the 2023 title. The 2026 tournament, featuring 20 nations, is set for March 5-17, with venues and full rosters to be announced closer to the start date.

“Adding Cal is huge for us,” Judge said in a statement. “He’s one of the best hitters in the game right now and brings a lot of energy and leadership. We’re building something special.”

Japan Enters as Defending Champion

Japan, the reigning World Baseball Classic champion, remains the team to beat. Their dramatic run in 2023 showcased the depth of talent in Japanese baseball, fueled by elite pitching and disciplined hitting. The global stage promises fierce competition as countries seek to dethrone the Japanese squad.

Olympic Baseball Eyes MLB Talent

The news of Raleigh’s WBC commitment comes amid growing speculation about MLB’s involvement in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. On Monday, the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) announced that the Olympic baseball tournament will take place from July 15-20, 2028, at iconic Dodger Stadium.

MLB is actively evaluating whether it can pause its regular season to allow big-league stars to participate. Traditionally, the league has hesitated to halt midseason play due to scheduling and revenue implications. However, the allure of showcasing baseball’s best on home soil in Los Angeles could prove a compelling incentive.

“Having MLB players in the Olympics would be monumental,” said WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari. “It would elevate the sport to new global heights, especially with the games in Los Angeles.”

Olympic Tournament Format Announced

The Olympic baseball tournament will feature two groups of three teams competing in a three-day preliminary round, with two games scheduled per day. Group winners advance directly to the semifinals, while the remaining teams battle through quarterfinals for a shot at medal contention. The semifinals are slated for July 19, followed by the gold and bronze medal games on July 20.

Softball will also feature prominently, with its Olympic tournament scheduled from July 23-29, 2028, at OKC Softball Park in Oklahoma City. A five-day round-robin format will culminate with the gold medal game on July 29.

Potential Impact on MLB and International Baseball

Allowing MLB players to participate in the Olympics would mark a significant milestone in baseball’s international growth. It would mirror the impact of NBA players entering Olympic competition in 1992, when the original “Dream Team” transformed global basketball.

Still, logistical challenges loom. MLB’s 162-game season leaves little room for extended breaks, and team owners remain wary of injury risks to star players. Yet players, fans, and global baseball federations are eager for a definitive answer as planning for the Los Angeles Games ramps up.

For Raleigh and fellow Team USA stars, the next year offers an exciting horizon. Between the 2026 World Baseball Classic and a possible Olympic appearance two years later, American baseball could shine on the world stage like never before.

As Raleigh rounded the bases Friday night in Detroit after launching his latest grand slam, Mariners fans celebrated another towering blast. Soon, American baseball fans everywhere might be cheering him on in red, white, and blue.