Oh captain my captain. The torch has been passed down and Aaron Judge has been named captain for Team USA for the World Baseball Classic that will take place in 2026. The World Baseball classic that last took place gave baseball fans the memory of a lifetime with the epic Mike Trout at bat that saw him face Shohei Ohtani.

Now that Judge has been named captain, we can now have fun and predict what the lineup could look like and how everything could shape out. This is not going to be a super deep analysis, but a fun dive into who could slot where.

Projecting the Team

The Infield

First Base: Bryce Harper

This is a lock for a decision. Harper was supposed to make the team in 2023, but Tommy John surgery kept him out. You know he’s licking his lips for the chance to represent his country and represent this squad.

Second Base: Mookie Betts

Versatility is a beautiful thing and that is what you get with Betts. The man can play short stop, second base and outfield, but for this exercise he moves to second to make room for quality players in the outfield.

Shortstop: Bobby Witt Jr

Say no more. He is one of the best players in the sport. As much of a sensation as Trea Turner was in 2023, Witt Jr is an MVP caliber player right now and gets the starting nod.

Third Base: Gunnar Henderson

Henderson is another young stud in this league. There are other good quality options here, but I am giving the nod to Henderson above them all.

The Outfield

You already have Judge. Let’s go ahead and figure out the next two slots for the starting roles

Kyle Tucker

Tucker has been one of the best players in baseball since breaking into the league in 2018. He is having a monster 2025 season. The guy can do it all, from mashing at the plate to very good defense. Guy definitely will get a shot for this roster and the starting slot.

Mike Trout

He is currently tied for the league lead in home runs. Judge might be captain, but this guy is Captain America. He is a lock regardless.

Back Up Options

Jackson Merrill

Merrill is a stud and will be for years to come. He was a rookie of the year finalist and was very worthy of his extension. Merrill is a machine at the plate and gives this roster another left field option. Also, including Corbin Carroll is huge. He is a good hitter and his speed on the base paths plays well with this lineup.

Catcher

Cal Raleigh

He is the best catcher in baseball. Not only does he hit a lot of home runs, but he is good defensively behind the dish. Adley Rutschman is also a good second option to carry two catchers.

Pitching Staff

The USA pitching staff is going to be…elite. The amount of caliber pitchers and aces all pitching on the staff is going to be pure cinema. So let’s take a dive into what the pitching staff could be.

Paul Skenes

Is this even a debate? The guy has been electric since making his debut and is one of the top pitchers in the game. Add this to his list of accolades he’s accomplished in the start of his career.

Tarik Skubal

A strikeout machine. A nose for the zone. A guy who can dominate in high leverage situations and take the ball with confidence. The reigning CY Young winner will easily be pitching for this team and likely be the first starter if anything.

Zack Wheeler

The ace of the Phillies has been one of the top pitchers for years. This guy should have a CY Young by now. Wheeler joins an elite cast of characters.

Garrett Crochet

The Red Sox ace will be a hot commodity for this classic. He showed his true potential as a starter last season and has been truly good for the Red Sox this season. He has the stuff and the mean velocity to pair with it.

Hunter Greene

i love that this guy has been able to do on the mound. I love what he’s been able to do and build for himself and how he’s come into his own. This guy deserves the nod!

Relievers can go a very wide direction, so that part I will leave out of the mix. But these were extremely fun to do!