Will Mike Trout Play for USA at World Baseball Classic? Manager Gives Roster Update

Los Angeles Angels star slugger Mike Trout's status for the 2026 World Baseball Classic remains up in the air.

Per the Associated Press, Team USA manager Mark DeRosa said Tuesday that Trout is "in the mix" for one of the final roster spots.

"We're talking to him, we're talking to a couple other players, and trying to figure out what Mike wants to do," DeRosa said at the MLB winter meetings.

Trout's status for the international tournament will largely be determined by his health. He spent time on the injured list with a bruised knee, injuring the same knee that required meniscus surgery in 2024. He spent most of the year as the Angels' designated hitter, recording 26 home runs and 64 RBI while hitting just .232 in 130 games, his most games played since 2019.

Trout was a captain for Team USA in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, but as a full-time DH this time around, his roster spot could be better served by going to a player with more versatility.

"He's got to be ready for '26 with the Angels," DeRosa said. "He didn't play much defensively, if at all, so it's a give and take -- what he wants to do, what he feels comfortable with."

Team USA announced the additions of designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, infielders Gunnar Henderson and Brice Turang, and catcher Will Smith to its 2026 roster on Tuesday. The four of them join team captain Aaron Judge, outfielders Corbin Carroll and Pete Crow-Armstrong, and catcher Cal Raleigh. National League Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes leads the U.S. pitching rotation, along with starter Matthew Boyd and reliever Garrett Whitlock.