After their loss to Japan in 2023, Team USA is determined to reclaim its title as the premier baseball nation at the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Despite the recent disappointment, MLB Network’s Mark DeRosa has been appointed to lead Team USA once again.
DeRosa, who is widely recognized for his 16-year MLB career, has transitioned into a studio analyst role at MLB Network since retiring, contributing to various shows, including MLB Central. It was surprising when he was named the manager for the 2023 World Baseball Classic without any previous managerial experience, yet he demonstrated enough potential to earn a second chance. He will be supported by Michael Hill as the team’s general manager.
Running it back! 🇺🇸 @markdero7 will manage Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. pic.twitter.com/reO1D1V4Gs
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) April 10, 2025
In a statement to MLB.com, DeRosa expressed his enthusiasm about continuing as Team USA’s manager, calling it “one of the highlights” of his life. “Getting the chance to share the clubhouse and dugout with USA’s greatest staff and players was one of the highlights of my life,” said DeRosa. “I’m extremely grateful and fired up to get another opportunity to put ‘USA’ across my chest come March.” We’ll see if DeRosa can guide Team USA to their first World Baseball Classic gold medal since 2017.
