Dodgers catcher Will Smith will return to play for the United States in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, Team USA manager Mark DeRosa said on MLB Network on Tuesday morning.
Smith was one of four players announced for Team USA on Tuesday, along with Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson, and Brewers middle infielder Brice Turang. Smith will presumably split catching duties with Cal Raleigh of the Mariners, who was announced for the WBC in July.
Other players
already announced for Team USA are outfielders Corbin Carroll of the Diamondbacks and Pete Crow-Armstrong of the Cubs.
Smith thus far is the second Dodgers player to commit to the World Baseball Classic, along with Shohei Ohtani for Japan, the reigning WBC champions. Whether he pitches during the tournament remains to be seen.
Dodgers third base coach Dino Ebel will return to coach third base for Team USA in 2026.
Smith played in three of seven games during the 2023 World Baseball Classic, in which Team USA advanced to the championship game. He homered and doubled in 10 at-bats, with two walks and three runs scored.
The 2026 World Baseball Classic will run from March 5-17. Team USA is in Pool B, which will play from March 6-11 at Daikin Park in Houston. Japan in Pool C will play from March 5-10 at the Tokyo Dome. The quarterfinals will be played in Houston and loanDepot Park in Miami on March 13-14, with the semifinals and championship game played in Miami from March 15-17.
