Rosters were made official for the 2026 World Baseball Classic last week. The Philadelphia Phillies are sending a boatload of players to this year's tournament, including first baseman Bryce Harper who announced his entry in late December. He'll join Kyle Schwarber and Brad Keller as the Phillies playing for Team USA.
Harper usually rocks No. 3 as a member of the Phillies, but things sometimes change when it comes to the WBC. The combination of all the different rosters in MLB and similar numbers forces players to try out new uniform numbers. It may be different, but players can make the most of it while playing in the tournament. That's what makes it unique and special.
Harper decided to change numbers, going back to a sentimental number he has worn in the past for international competition.
Phillies' Bryce Harper goes back to his roots with new uniform number in World Baseball Classic
There was some speculation about what number Harper would wear if it wasn't the familiar No. 3 he has worn the last seven seasons in Philadelphia. He instead landed on 24, a number he sported for Team USA when he was younger. Harper has been in the spotlight his whole baseball life, and it only felt natural for him to carry that legacy into the tournament next month.
Bryce Harper. pic.twitter.com/aBQ4XAe0rd
— USA Baseball (@USABaseball) February 6, 2026
Harper played for Team USA as a part of the 16U national team in 2008 in Mexico and the 18U national team in 2009 in Venezuela. The two teams went a combined 16-0, easily capturing gold in both tournaments. Harper was an offensive powerhouse, which also helped him win the 2010 Golden Spikes Award, given to the top amateur baseball player in the United States.
Harper has only ascended from there, winning the 2012 NL Rookie of the Year, two NL MVPs, becoming an eight-time All-Star, a four-time Silver Slugger, and winning the NL pennant with the Phillies in 2022. He has also accumulated 363 home runs and 1,801 hits over the course of his 14-year MLB career.
He has accomplished so many things in his illustrious career, but there's nothing quite like playing for Team USA, something Harper has been itching to get back to for the third time in his career. Like Harper, there's also a lot of USA Baseball alumni in the mix.
This year's American squad is stacked and is looking to finish strong. Harper has been ready for this challenge for years, getting back to the love of the game, for pride, and for glory. Now the countdown is officially on for one of the most exciting baseball events around.