Kyle Schwarber to play for Team USA in 2026 World Baseball Classic

ORLANDO, Fla. — Before reportedly agreeing to a five-year, $150 million contract to return to the Phillies on the second day of the Winter Meetings, Kyle Schwarber made the decision to represent a different team in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

The slugger will play for the United States in the event for the second time, it was announced on Tuesday morning. Schwarber was previously a member of Team USA at the 2023 WBC.

“He was 1A, chemistry wise, for that team,” United States manager and former big leaguer Mark DeRosa said. “I felt like he was that guy that everyone kind of gravitated to, easy to get along with, super confident. Obviously, his numbers speak for themselves. He’s gotten even better.”

Schwarber hit two home runs with a 1.093 OPS in five games during the last tournament, serving as the designated hitter for the United States. He hit a home run in the championship game, but Team USA ultimately had to settle for second place as it fell to Japan.

As DeRosa and general manager Michael Hill had early phone calls to discuss a potential roster, DeRosa made sure to emphasize Schwarber’s importance to Team USA during the last go-around. It also didn’t hurt that the veteran hitter has only developed into one of the best power bats in the sport over the last few years. Schwarber had a career year in 2025, leading the National League with 56 home runs and the majors with 132 RBIs and finishing as the runner-up for the NL MVP Award. He had a staggering .964 OPS against left-handed pitchers.

Team USA will be able to deploy Schwarber against both righties and lefties, and he’ll be an integral part of the clubhouse as the rid, white and blue goes for gold.

“I just was worried the whole free-agency thing would kind of take some time from him,” DeRosa said. “I’m glad that today he got it ironed out, and that he’ll be focused on playing. But had to have him.”