Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Mookie Betts played for Team USA during the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Team USA lost to Team Japan in the final, and Betts hopes to return to the team for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
He spoke to the media about potentially joining the team. One of the biggest stories with Betts in baseball to go along with the WBC is his health. He had a stomach issue at the start of the 2025 MLB season.
Mookie Betts Speaks to Media About WBC and His Health
Betts spoke to the media about potentially playing in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. He mentioned wanting to play for Team USA and said, “Absolutely. I think any player would want to do it.” This desire is an encouraging sign from the 32-year-old Dodgers superstar.
What’s also encouraging from Betts is that he also provided an update about his health. Betts lost weight before the 2025 MLB season because of a nasty stomach virus. He mentioned that he is back to feeling 100%. Betts also said, “I actually weigh more now than I did coming into spring, so I’m definitely good.”
Betts has played in 15 games so far this season. He has a .304 batting average with four home runs and 10 RBIs, along with one stolen base. His on-base percentage is .400. If Betts were to play in the World Baseball Classic in 2026 for Team USA, there is a chance that he would be playing in the infield and not the outfield.
Chad Jennings of The Athletic predicted a potential Team USA roster in 2026, with Betts starting at second base. Jennings said, “Three shortstops — Betts, [Gunnar] Henderson, and [Bobby] Witt Jr. — feel like obvious selections, and we can fit them into the regular lineup by playing Henderson at third and Betts at second. Every other infield roster spot is a matter of building a functional roster while creating room for different types of players.”
If Betts decided not to play in the WBC, Henderson of the Baltimore Orioles or Kristian Campbell of the Boston Red Sox could be the second baseman for Team USA. The outfield would be loaded for this club, which is one reason Betts would be in the infield instead of the outfield.
Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees, Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels, and Patrick Corbin of the Arizona Diamondbacks would be the starting outfielder. Team USA manager Mark DeRosa would love to have Betts on the roster for 2026. Even if he doesn’t join the team, there will still be plenty of talent in the infield and the outfield. They will look to avenge the 2023 finals loss in the WBC against Japan.