Bryce Harper is used to sporting crimson and white, and now he’s including blue.
The Philadelphia Phillies first baseman is the newest star to decide to Workforce USA for the 2026 World Baseball Traditional.
“Put the colors on my chest for the 1st time when I was 15,” Harper wrote Tuesday in an Instagram announcement. “No other feeling like it.”
Harper’s announcement alluded to his experiences taking part in for USA Baseball’s 16U and 18U groups as an adolescent.
However that is set to be the slugger’s first time taking part within the WBC, as he was unable to play within the 2023 version due to elbow surgical procedure.
Workforce USA has not formally introduced the addition of Harper, a two-time Nationwide League MVP who hit .261 with 27 house runs and an .844 OPS final season.
However Harper, 33, plans to affix an American roster that continues to turn into increasingly prolific.
Yankees star Aaron Choose is the captain of Workforce USA, whereas catchers Cal Raleigh and Will Smith; infielders Bobby Witt Jr., Gunnar Henderson and Brice Turang; outfielders Pete Crow-Armstrong and Corbin Carroll; and designated hitter Kyle Schwarber are among the many others to commit.
Workforce USA has additionally obtained many extra commitments than normal from front-line beginning pitchers, together with Tarik Skubal, Paul Skenes and Joe Ryan.
Mets starters Nolan McLean and Clay Holmes are additionally set to be a part of the Workforce USA workers, whereas Yankees nearer David Bednar and flame-throwing San Diego Padres reliever Mason Miller assist headline the American bullpen.
Workforce USA received the WBC in 2017, but it surely misplaced within the last to Workforce Japan in 2023.
Shohei Ohtani, the MVP of the 2023 WBC, is returning to assist defend Workforce Japan’s title. Fellow 2023 standout Munetaka Murakami — who simply signed a two-year, $34 million contract with the Chicago White Sox — mentioned he additionally expects to play once more within the upcoming event.
Mets star Francisco Lindor, in the meantime, returns because the captain of Workforce Puerto Rico.
The 2026 WBC is about to happen in Houston, Tokyo, San Juan and Miami from March 5-17.
