Who is the captain of Team USA in the 2023 World Baseball Classic?
Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout will make his first-ever appearance in the World Baseball Classic, and he will debut as the captain of Team USA.
The World Baseball Classic is finally back after six years. The United States won the last edition held in 2017, and it was also the first time for the country to take home the trophy.
Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout will make his first-ever appearance in the competition, and he will be debuting as Team USA’s captain.
Trout regrets missing out on 2017
Trout has expressed regret over missing the 2017 campaign, and is now eager to play for the team and represent his country.
“It’s new to me, but I’m looking forward to it,” he said. “The change will be pretty cool, you get to play with the guys that you don’t get to play with all the time.”
Winning is everything
Trout admits though that while it would be a good experience to be on the field with players from other MLB teams, he’s got his eyes clearly on the prize.
“The whole main reason we’re here is to win this thing… All the other stuff’s great, you know, being able to play with each other, get to know each other a little bit more. But there’s only one thing on our minds- trying to win this whole thing,” stated the 31-year-old.
The 2023 World Baseball Classic will be held in Japan, Taiwan, and the US, from March 8 to 21, 2023.
Below is a list of a preliminary roster for Team USA, although this may still change by the time the tournament takes place.
2023 World Baseball Classic: Team USA Roster
- Mike Trout, CF (Captain)
- Nolan Arenado, 3B
- JT Realmuto, C
- Paul Goldschmidt, 1B
- Pete Alonso, 1B/DH
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Mookie Betts, RF
- Tim Anderson, SS
- Trea Turner, SS
- Bobby Whitt Jr, SS
- Jeff McNeil, 2B
- Adam Wainwright, RHP
- Nestor Cortes, LHP
- Merrill Kelly, RHP
- Miles Mikolas, RHP
- Clayton Kershaw, LHP
Here are other players who may join Team USA:
- Lance Lynn, RHP
- Dillon Tate, RHP