Bryce Harper joins Kyle Schwarber, 4 other Phillies committed to the 2026 WBC

With the 2026 World Baseball Classic just months away, the Philadelphia Phillies have added another confirmed player to the tournament, with first baseman Bryce Harper announcing his participation for Team USA. Harper made the announcement on Instagram on Tuesday morning.

"Put the colors on my chest for the 1st time when I was 15. No other feeling like it. I’m excited to announce I will be representing Team USA this year in the WBC. Merica!" Harper posted to his account.

Bryce Harper joins Kyle Schwarber on Team USA for the 2026 World Baseball Classic

Harper has never played in the WBC, despite having previously committed early for the 2023 tournament. He missed that event, however, after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow following the 2022 season.

Harper joins Kyle Schwarber as the second Phillies player to confirm for Team USA.

On Dec. 9, the same day that Schwarber chose to re-sign with the Phillies, the team he's called home since 2022, he also announced that he will return to represent Team USA in the 2026 WBC.

When Schwarber participated in the most memorable World Baseball Classic to date, he embraced the spotlight and the weight of the nation when digging into the box each at-bat he took for Team USA.

The Phillies slugger dominated in 2023's WBC, most memorably hitting the game-tying solo shot off Yu Darvish of Team Japan in the finals. With two home runs in five games, it's no surprise that Schwarber finished the entire experience with a 1.093 OPS, which helped the USA take runner-up.

Harper, Schwarber among 6 Phillies players who have committed to playing in the 2026 WBC

Schwarber was the first Phillies player to join Team USA, announcing his participation in the global tournament. He headlined Team USA's newest roster additions during the MLB Winter Meetings, alongside Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith, Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson, and Milwaukee Brewers Gold Glove second baseman Brice Turang.

The other Phillies players who are already committed to representing their designated teams include utilityman Edmundo Sosa for Team Panama, pitcher Alan Rangel for Team Mexico, catcher Garrett Stubbs for Team Israel, and outfielder Johan Rojas for Team Dominican Republic.

These six are the first of probably many Phillies players who will have a chance to honor their national teams with their spring training WBC commitments.

As for Schwarber, his brute power going into this year's World Baseball Classic will surely be a difference maker for Team USA. The team's head coach, who was also at the helm of the club in 2023, Mark DeRosa, is no stranger to Schwarber's ability to rise to the occasion, echoing how much of an asset the 32-year-old is not just to the team's lineup but also to its clubhouse (subscription required), per The Philadelphia Inquirer's Lochlahn March.

“He was the chemistry guy for me, last time,” DeRosa said, per March. “He was the guy. Listen, there’s nerves in there. I don’t care how good a player you are. When you walk in a room full of superstars, and then the eyes of the world are on you, there’s pressure to perform in front of the greats. He attacks it."

With Mike Trout and Aaron Judge headlining the outfield, with the young duo of Henderson and Turang on the infield, and with Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes headlining the pitching staff, Team USA's roster is beginning to round out nicely to be able to keep up with Team Japan, the reigning champions.