PHILADELPHIA.– The star outfielder for the Philadelphia Phillies, Bryce Harper, announced this Tuesday his intention to join the United States team that will compete in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, marking his return to the international scene with his country’s selection.
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Harper, who has already represented the United States in minor categories —Under-16 and Under-18— in the years 2008 and 2009, recalled with emotion his experience defending the national colors, after both teams won gold medals. “I put on the colors on my chest for the first time when I was 15 years old. There is no other feeling like it,” the slugger wrote in an Instagram post. “I am excited to announce that I will be representing the United States in the Classic. America!” Although USA Baseball has not yet officially confirmed his inclusion in the roster, Harper’s participation is subject to the usual adjustments of the World Baseball Classic rosters. The 33-year-old player had committed to play in the 2023 Classic, but elbow surgery after the 2022 season prevented him from participating. In that edition, the United States fell in the final against Japan, three-time champion of the tournament. Harper comes from a solid Major League campaign, in which he hit 27 home runs and recorded an OPS of .844 in 580 plate appearances. If his participation materializes, he would be part of a star-studded American selection, led by Aaron Judge, Kyle Schwarber and pitchers Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes, both winners of the Cy Young Award in 2025. The United States will begin its participation in the 2026 World Baseball Classic on March 6, when it faces Brazil at 8:00 PM (Eastern Time) at Daikin Park in Houston, as part of Group B.
