Team USA superstar outfielder Mike Trout is fully committed to play in 2026 World Baseball Classic: "I already told them I’m doing the next one"
In the hours leading up to the 2023 World Baseball Classic championship game, MLB comissioner Rob Manfred confirmed that the next WBC will be in 2026. And Team USA outfielder Mike Trout has already committed.
He told Fox Sports 1:
"I already told them I'm doing the next one."
“I already told them I’m doing the next one” -Mike Trout https://t.co/RMojy3FYRB
Mike Trout doubled in his first-inning at-bat in the 2023 World Baseball Classic championship game against Team Japan on Tuesday at LoanDepot Park in Miami, Fla. The USA, winner of the last WBC in 2017, is seeking to join Japan as the only two-time and back-to-back winners of the tournament. Japan claimed the first two WBC championships in 2007 and 2009.
But win or lose, Trout is ready to don the Red, White and Blue again in three years. It's a thrill for him to wear the Team USA uniform, as he explained to the Fox baseball studio crew:
"I mean, it's special. I'm getting goosebumps right now thinking about it. The 'USA' chants, wearing (USA) across your chest, I already told them I'm doing the next one. I'm already in. If I'm DH-ing (or) playing left field, whatever they want, I'm already in.
"I think that's coming from all of the guys, talking to them, knowing how proud we are wearing that across our chests and just coming out here, like I said, in the ninth inning, hearing the 'USA' chants. It's special, man."
The 31-year-old Trout, who plays for the Los Angeles Angels, is a three-time American League MVP, nine-time Silver Slugger Award-winner, a 10-time All-Star and two-time All-Star Game MVP. He sports a career batting average of .303.
He is taking on Angels teammate and fellow former AL MVP Shohei Ohtani of Japan. It is possible the two will face one another if Ohtani is called upon in relief for Japan on Tuesday.
Mike Trout starring at 2023 World Baseball Classic
Mike Trout's first-inning double improved his batting average at the 2023 World Baseball Classic to .348. He is one of four players to have competed in all seven WBC games for the USA.
Trout had seven RBIs, four runs, one double, one triple and one home run in the tournament heading into the title game against Japan.