Los Angeles Angels star outfielder Mike Trout told reporters that he would participate in the 2026 World Baseball Classic if Team USA invited him per MLB Network reporter Jon Morosi.
Trout said this on March 3 in spring training at the Angels’ home stadium, Tempe Diablo Stadium in Arizona, according to Sportico.com reporter Barry Bloom.
“I had a blast doing it [in 2023], and I plan to do it again,” Trout told reporters. “I haven’t heard anything yet. Nobody’s brought it up to me, but if they ask, I’m there.”
Trout last played for Team USA in the 2023 WBC and made the last out against former Angles teammate Shohei Otani in the 3-2 championship loss to Team Japan at loanDepot Park in Miami.
Trout played in only the 2023 WBC, and he had one home run, seven RBI, two doubles, and one triple for Team USA. He had eight hits in 27 at-bats, a .296 batting average, and an OPS of .962.
Trout has put together an outstanding career with the Angels. In 14 seasons, he is an 11-time All-Star, a nine-time Silver Slugger Award winner, and a three-time MVP. Trout’s career MLB numbers include 378 home runs, 954 RBIs, 212 stolen bases, 1,123 runs, and 1,648 hits in 5,511 at-bats for a .299 batting average. His on-base percentage is .410 and his lifetime OPS is .991.
Moreover, Trout has a career of 86.2 bWAR and a strong case to be a first-ballot hall of famer, though he has struggled with health the past few seasons, missing 212 games due to a left knee meniscus tear, a left hamate factor, back spasms, and calf strains.
During Trout’s tenure, the Angels have had just four winning seasons and one playoff appearance in 2014 that ended in a three-game sweep against the Kansas City Royals in the American League Division Series. Trout hit a solo home run in the series without any other hits in 12 at-bats.
Photo: Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels could be a key member of Team USA at the 2026 World Baseball Classic. (Photo by Brandon Vallance/Getty Images)
