Angels' Mike Trout Commits to Play for Team USA in 2026 World Baseball Classic

Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout has had so much fun playing for Team USA in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, he's already committed to doing it again three years from now.

Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout has had so much fun playing for Team USA in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, he's already committed to doing it again three years from now.

Tuesday afternoon, Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred officially confirmed that the next WBC will be played in 2026.

Trout joined FOX's baseball studio crew Tuesday evening prior to the World Baseball Classic Championship game. Former MLB player and current MLB studio analyst Alex Rodriguez asked Trout what it means to him to where the Team USA uniform entering Tuesday's title game.

 "I mean it's special," Trout said. "I'm getting goosebumps right now thinking about it. The 'USA' chants, wearing [USA] across your chest, I already told them I'm doing the next one. I'm already in. If I'm DH-ing (or) playing left field, whatever they want, I'm already in. I think that's coming from all of the guys, talking to them, knowing how proud we are wearing that across our chests and just coming out here, like I said, in the ninth inning, hearing the 'USA' chants, it's special, man."

Trout, 31, is a three-time American League MVP, 10-time All-Star, nine-time Silver Slugger and two-time All-Star Game MVP. Trout will be 34 at the time of the next World Baseball Classic, and will certainly be invited to play for Team USA at that time. Perhaps he's already been invited. Even if he hasn't been, he says he'll be there.

Trout will return to Angels camp later this week, but Tuesday, he will try to help Team USA win its second-consecutive WBC title. Team USA took home the gold at the 2017 World Baseball Classic. Trout's teammate, Shohei Ohtani, will be playing against Trout Tuesday night, starring for Team Japan.

Team Japan is seeking its third WBC title since the event was created in 2006. It has not won a WBC crown since 2009.

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