"The Avengers" officially assemble as Team USA prepares to bring the classic tournament trophy home

The 6th World Baseball Classic (WBC) is set to begin in March, and the 30-player rosters for all teams were officially revealed today (February 6). Team USA has assembled a luxurious "Avengers"-like squad, with New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge serving as captain, bringing together many elite MLB players aiming for the championship glory.

On the offensive side, Team USA boasts formidable firepower, featuring sluggers like catcher Cal Raleigh (Mariners), who hit 60 homers in a single season; World Series champion catcher Will Smith (Dodgers); Bryce Harper (Phillies); Bobby Witt Jr. (Royals); National League home run leader Kyle Schwarber (Phillies); and Corbin Carroll (Diamondbacks), blending star power with destructive capability. Besides being captain, Judge is also regarded as the core leader on both offense and defense.

The pitching staff is equally impressive, led by National League Cy Young winner Paul Skenes (Pirates) and American League Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal (Tigers), supported by Logan Webb (Giants), Nolan McLean (Mets), and recently retired legendary left-hander Clayton Kershaw, among others.

Baseball America reported today that, based on the previous season’s performance, Team USA’s position players have an average WAR (Wins Above Replacement) of 5.2, the highest ever for a US squad; pitchers average a WAR of 2.8, second only to the 2006 team; and the total team WAR stands at 118.2, also a historical best.

After finalizing the 30-player roster, Team USA general manager Michael Hill stated, "We appreciate the willingness of all MLB teams to entrust us with these outstanding players."

Head coach Mark DeRosa also told MLB Network, "Building this team was no easy task, but we have always approached it with a sense of mission and honor. Everyone understands what the 'USA' on their chest represents, and we are ready to bring the championship trophy home."

However, there were some changes in this year’s roster. Last tournament’s captain Mike Trout, who faced Japanese two-way star Shohei Ohtani in the final at-bat, and Dodgers star Mookie Betts were not selected.

Additionally, first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and pitcher Michael Wacha were confirmed in the roster at the last stage of the announcement, with Goldschmidt making his third personal selection to Team USA.

With the final roster set, Team USA is once again considered one of the favorites to win this Classic. Whether they can claim the championship trophy will be a major highlight of the tournament.

Team USA 30-player roster:

Pitchers: David Bednar, Griffin Jax, Nolan McLean, Joe Ryan, Michael Wacha, Garrett Whitlock, Garrett Cleavinger, Tarik Skubal, Clay Holmes, Brad Keller, Mason Miller, Paul Skenes, Logan Webb, Matt Boyd, Clayton Kershaw, Gabe Speier

Infielders: Alex Bregman, Paul Goldschmidt, Bryce Harper, Gunnar Henderson, Brice Turang, Bobby Witt Jr.

Outfielders: Byron Buxton, Corbin Carroll, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Aaron Judge

Designated Hitter: Kyle Schwarber

Utility Player: Ernie Clement

Catchers: Cal Raleigh, Will Smith