The countdown to WBC 2026 is already building momentum, and this time, the spotlight is shared by two heavyweights with something to prove. Team USA’s redemption arc is quietly taking shape—anchored by a powerful lineup that blends emerging talent with established superstardom. Among the headline names, Bobby Witt Jr. and Aaron Judge are officially in.

Interestingly, for one of them, the return means far more than just baseball—it’s about pride, growth, and reclaiming the moment that once slipped through his fingers. The mission is clear: bring the title back home.

When the call came this spring, there wasn’t a moment of hesitation. Witt Jr. knew exactly what he wanted. “It was 100%, and you said, ‘I’m starting, right?’” a USA rep recalled. Now, he’s not just back—he’s leading. As Bob Nightengale reported, “Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. confirms that he will indeed play for Team USA in the 2026 WBC. This time, you can be assured that he’ll have much more than the two at-bats he got in his first WBC in 2023.” From bench presence to centerpiece, Witt’s role has shifted dramatically—and the confidence is real. “Now we want to bring home the gold,” he declared.

That swagger didn’t come out of thin air. Witt is fresh off a monster 2024 season that saw him hit .332 with 32 home runs, 109 RBIs, and post a league-best 10.4 fWAR. Those numbers turned heads, but what left a bigger impression was his growth—from being the youngest guy in a star-studded WBC locker room in 2023 to now leading one. “You’re always playing for the team on your chest,” Witt said, “but there it just means a little bit more.” This time, he’s not watching from the wings—he’s setting the tone.

And Witt’s journey with Team USA didn’t begin last year. He’s long been draped in red, white, and blue—from MVP honors with the U-18 team in 2018 to watching his dad, Bobby Witt Sr., win silver at the ‘84 Olympics. It’s a legacy he’s proud to carry. Now, united with stars like Judge and Paul Skenes, Witt steps into the 2026 Classic not just as a rising star, but as a player expected to deliver. Team USA isn’t just hoping he’ll shine. They’re counting on it.

That evolution on the world stage has only deepened Witt’s growing identity as not just a franchise cornerstone, but also a respected name across the sport. And that recognition isn’t just coming from fans or current peers—it’s coming from legends, too.

MLB legends see reflections in Bobby Witt Jr.’s game

When Wade Boggs, one of the greatest hitters in MLB history, speaks highly of a player, it carries weight. And when he draws a comparison between that player and George Brett—an icon in Kansas City Royals history—it’s not just praise, it’s validation. During a candid moment at Fanatics Fest, the Hall of Famer did not hesitate to name Witt Jr. as his modern-day equivalent. “He just leads by example,” Boggs said. “He’s sort of falling into that same mold of George Brett… he doesn’t want to stand out, and yet, he does it anyway.”

What made this moment special wasn’t just the name-drop—it was the insight into Witt’s character. Boggs acknowledged that Witt’s instinctive grasp of the game is something cultivated over the years around baseball, thanks to his father, former pitcher Bobby Witt Sr. That background has clearly shaped not just Witt’s skill set, but also the humble, workmanlike demeanor that has made him so respected by veterans of the game.

It’s not only Boggs tipping his cap. Witt’s peers have noticed his rise as well. When asked to build his ideal infield lineup—excluding teammates—Witt showed both humility and baseball IQ, naming Jose Ramirez as his third baseman and praising him as an “underrated All-Star.” It’s a sign of the respect Witt gives, and in return, commands. His balanced game and team-first mentality have made him a rare modern player—one equally appreciated by legends and current rivals.

From 2023 bench player to 2026 WBC starter. From an awe-struck kid among stars to a player other stars now look up to. That’s not just growth—it’s a story still unfolding.

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