Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh has officially committed to representing Team USA in the upcoming 2026 World Baseball Classic. This announcement was made on Monday, marking a significant moment for the player and the national team as they prepare for the prestigious tournament.
Raleigh has had an impressive season, hitting a record-breaking 38 home runs before the All-Star Game, placing him just one shy of Barry Bonds’ all-time major league record of 39 homers before the break, set in 2001. Additionally, he has joined an elite group of players, including Babe Ruth (1921), Reggie Jackson (1969), and Ken Griffey Jr. (1998), by achieving at least 38 home runs alongside 10 stolen bases in his team’s first 96 games.
In this season alone, Raleigh has accumulated 82 RBIs and boasts an impressive 1.011 OPS in just 94 games. He is on track to challenge both Mickey Mantle’s single-season home run record for switch-hitters, which stands at 54, and Ken Griffey Jr.’s franchise record of 56 home runs in a season.
Team USA’s Strong Roster for 2026
Raleigh is not alone in his commitment to Team USA. He joins notable players such as Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals, Aaron Judge from the New York Yankees, and Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates, all of whom have also pledged their allegiance to the national team.
The 2026 World Baseball Classic is set to take place from March 5-17, 2026, with games scheduled in several cities, including Houston, Miami, Tokyo, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. The semifinals and championship game will be hosted in Miami. Team USA will compete in Group B alongside Britain, Brazil, Italy, and Mexico, with their first round set to occur at Minute Maid Park in Houston from March 6-11.
The team will be managed by former major leaguer Mark DeRosa, who led them in the previous tournament where Team USA finished as runners-up to Japan in the championship game. The last time Team USA secured a victory in the World Baseball Classic was in 2017.
Raleigh’s commitment adds excitement and strength to the national team, as they aim to reclaim the title in a tournament that showcases the best baseball talent from around the globe. Fans will undoubtedly be eager to see how he performs on the international stage in 2026 as he continues to break records and make his mark in Major League Baseball.
