Mark DeRosa of MLB Network announced on the show this morning that Kansas City Royals starting shortstop, Bobby Witt Jr. will be the starting shortstop for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

This should come as no surprise to anyone. Witt Jr. jumped on the scene and is one of the emerging young stars in baseball and was the AL MVP runner up to Team USA’s Captain Aaron Judge.

The Silver Slugger recipient is having a solid fourth season for the Royals, slashing .282./338./822 in 80 games played.

He joins the aforementioned Captain Aaron Judge and reigning National League Rookie of the Year, Paul Skeens, as the players to commit to team USA so far.

Bobby Witt Jr. participated in the 2023 WBC, as a backup to then starting shortstop, Phillies Trea Turner, but after breaking out as a star in baseball, Witt Jr. has earned the starting role, according to team USA’s skipper, Mark DeRosa. “ It’s truly, it’s an honor, um, something that I kind of dream about my whole entire life and just being a part of that team.” Witt Jr. said, reflecting on his journey to earning the starting role. “A couple years ago it was, it was amazing. And so now we wanna bring home the gold.”

When Witt Jr. was asked what it means to him to represent the United States in the World Baseball Classic, Witt Jr. responded by saying “ It means it’s, it’s so special to be able to represent kind of the best country I believe, in the world. Yeah. And so it’s so special to be able to do that. And, uh, you’re really playing for, you’re always playing for the team on your chest, but there it’s, it just means a little bit more.”