Byron Buxton Joins Team USA for World Baseball Classic 2026

Byron Buxton, the Minnesota Twins outfielder, has been officially named to the Team USA roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. This announcement was made on January 12, 2026, confirming Buxton's participation after he was included in the preliminary roster released in December 2025. He joins fellow Twins player Joe Ryan on the national team, which features prominent players such as Aaron Judge, Paul Skenes, and Gunnar Henderson.

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The World Baseball Classic is scheduled to take place from March 5 to March 17, 2026, with 20 international teams competing. The previous tournament in 2023 concluded with Japan defeating the USA in a dramatic final, highlighted by Shohei Ohtani striking out Mike Trout. Buxton and Ryan are expected to miss a significant portion of the Twins' spring training, which begins on February 20, 2026, as they prepare for the tournament.

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Buxton is coming off one of his most productive seasons, finishing 2025 with a .264 batting average, 35 home runs, and 82 RBIs. As he approaches his 32nd birthday, Buxton aims to maintain this momentum heading into the World Baseball Classic.

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In the last World Baseball Classic, the Minnesota Twins had eight players representing three different nations. Notable participants included Jose De Leon, Jorge Lopez, Jovani Moran, Emilio Pagan, Dereck Rodriguez, and Christian Vazquez for Puerto Rico, while Pablo Lopez played for Venezuela and Eddy Julien represented Canada. The final rosters for many countries in the upcoming tournament are still being finalized, and it remains to be seen how many additional Twins players will participate.

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While the announcement has been met with enthusiasm from fans and teammates, some critics express concerns about the potential impact of international play on player health and performance during the regular MLB season. The rigorous schedule of the World Baseball Classic could pose risks, particularly for players like Buxton, who have faced injuries in the past.

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As the tournament approaches, attention will focus on the finalization of rosters for other countries and the performance of Buxton and Ryan during the World Baseball Classic. Their participation is anticipated to enhance the visibility of the Twins on an international stage, while also raising questions about the balance between national pride and the demands of the MLB season.

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• “Byron Buxton ? Team USA The @Twins outfielder is joining the squad for the World Baseball Classic!” — USA Baseball

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• “He will look to carry that momentum in 2026, as he just turned 32 years old in December.” — Tony Liebert, Sports Journalist

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