{"id":18347,"date":"2026-03-20T11:04:45","date_gmt":"2026-03-20T18:04:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportrelay.com\/mlb\/?p=18347"},"modified":"2026-03-20T11:04:45","modified_gmt":"2026-03-20T18:04:45","slug":"team-usa-roster-predictions-for-2030-world-baseball-classic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportrelay.com\/mlb\/2026\/03\/20\/team-usa-roster-predictions-for-2030-world-baseball-classic\/","title":{"rendered":"Team USA Roster Predictions for 2030 World Baseball Classic"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Following back-to-back World Baseball Classic Championship defeats, Team USA is undoubtedly looking ahead to the next WBC competition in 2030. Some of the roster, especially the young talent, will remain in place. However, there\u2019s bound to be turnover at several positions. This is a position-by-position breakdown of what Team USA\u2019s starting lineup could look like come 2030.<\/p>\n<h4>Catcher: Drake Baldwin<\/h4>\n<p><a id=\"rJoumFwKSnJnPHjZw5eRZQ\" class=\"gie-single\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/2247803938\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'rJoumFwKSnJnPHjZw5eRZQ',sig:'u6Uy_HZ9YLFuo25OLpe3d0HjUNsrDtRv6jxK5e7GP9E=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'2247803938',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n<p>This time last year, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/b\/baldwdr01.shtml\"><strong>Drake Baldwin<\/strong><\/a> had yet to make his major league debut. Fast forward a year later, and he gets the nod as Team USA\u2019s starting catcher in 2030.<\/p>\n<p>The 2025 National League Rookie of the Year, Baldwin posted a 3.3 WAR in 2025 with 19 home runs, 80 RBI, and an .810 OPS. He did all that in 124 games, so a full season would boost those totals.<\/p>\n<p>Come 2030, Baldwin will be 28 years old. Team USA\u2019s current catcher, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/r\/raleica01.shtml\"><strong>Cal Raleigh<\/strong><\/a>, is 29, so Baldwin would fit the mold as a catcher in his prime. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/j\/jenseca01.shtml\"><strong>Carter Jensen<\/strong><\/a> should also receive consideration for this spot, but his 20-game sample size doesn\u2019t compare to Baldwin\u2019s near-full season.<\/p>\n<h4>First Base: Nick Kurtz<\/h4>\n<p><a id=\"TdfjJh1dQklzlouWiFoy0A\" class=\"gie-single\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/2234734055\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'TdfjJh1dQklzlouWiFoy0A',sig:'vi4csTuB4LxzPkOr0LkjVMq920JQTPxtFT49vaPdWYo=',w:'594px',h:'401px',items:'2234734055',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n<p>First base is one of the strongest positions in baseball right now, but in 2030, it\u2019s hard to see that being the case. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/o\/olsonma02.shtml\"><strong>Matt Olson<\/strong><\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/a\/alonspe01.shtml\"><strong>Pete Alonso<\/strong><\/a> will be 35, while Team USA\u2019s current first baseman, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/h\/harpebr03.shtml\"><strong>Bryce Harper<\/strong><\/a>, will be 37.<\/p>\n<p>Enter the other 2025 Rookie of the Year, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/k\/kurtzni01.shtml\"><strong>Nick Kurtz<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Despite playing 117 games in 2025, Kurtz mashed 36 home runs, drove in 86 runs, hit .290, and posted a 1.002 OPS that ranked third in all of baseball. Players like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/r\/ricebe01.shtml\"><strong>Ben Rice<\/strong><\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/t\/torkesp01.shtml\"><strong>Spencer Torkelson<\/strong><\/a> could emerge as challengers, but it\u2019s hard to see them usurping Kurtz in 2030.<\/p>\n<h4>Second Base: Konnor Griffin<\/h4>\n<p><a id=\"t8sJ7RlMSodPX7ud7OGJ9A\" class=\"gie-single\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/2261456717\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'t8sJ7RlMSodPX7ud7OGJ9A',sig:'28N8XXN5N9ujMHjYTT2jiViRzw3ruo9dnNlZR3BB6As=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'2261456717',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/register\/player.fcgi?id=griffi000kon\"><strong>Konnor Griffin<\/strong><\/a> is 19 years old, hasn\u2019t played second base before, and has yet to make his major league debut. Giving him the nod makes sense.<\/p>\n<p>Simply put, it\u2019s rare to see a player dominate the minors quite like Griffin. In 122 games last season, Griffin hit .333 with 48 extra base hits, 94 RBI, and 65 stolen bases. If Griffin is this good now, imagine what he could be like in a few years.<\/p>\n<p>Griffin is the top prospect in baseball for a reason. Even if everything doesn\u2019t click right away, it should when the 2030 WBC turns its head.<\/p>\n<h4>Third Base: Gunnar Henderson<\/h4>\n<p><a id=\"fQb4tKv1R8N_cJ54W4IiFg\" class=\"gie-single\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/2149012195\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'fQb4tKv1R8N_cJ54W4IiFg',sig:'qcJJxgepE1z9ELlXkZrOLwYrswXOiqIcfn44QI6vmiE=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'2149012195',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Despite being a shortstop, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/h\/hendegu01.shtml\"><strong>Gunnar Henderson<\/strong><\/a> is too good to leave off Team USA\u2019s roster, especially since he has experience at the hot corner.<\/p>\n<p>Over the past three seasons, Henderson has accumulated a WAR of 20.8. During this stretch, he\u2019s demonstrated power (82 home runs), speed (61 stolen bases), and defense (4.3 defensive WAR).<\/p>\n<p>In 2030, Henderson will be 28 years old and in his prime. With 108 games at third base under his belt so far, the 2023 American League Rookie of the Year gets the nod.<\/p>\n<h4>Shortstop: Bobby Witt Jr.<\/h4>\n<p><a id=\"tuyb6rSIQ99IjmtXY7QDgg\" class=\"gie-single\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/2219565060\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'tuyb6rSIQ99IjmtXY7QDgg',sig:'KrxFlMvoLS-zuVh1pmd0SMgaNJhC-tEcDtA2WtYquGU=',w:'594px',h:'399px',items:'2219565060',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n<p>The only shortstop who&#8217;s been better than Henderson over the past three years has been <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/w\/wittbo02.shtml\"><strong>Bobby Witt Jr<\/strong>.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Since 2023, Witt Jr. has totaled a 20.9 WAR, an American League batting title, 118 stolen bases, and a total fielding run value of 41. There\u2019s not much else that needs to be said, as Witt Jr. is the top player of one of baseball\u2019s premier positions.<\/p>\n<h4>Left Field: Wyatt Langford<\/h4>\n<p><a id=\"_Zh_HWiuRLZ-37tX9kyKGQ\" class=\"gie-single\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/2159121322\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'_Zh_HWiuRLZ-37tX9kyKGQ',sig:'oY4tohp695fzFi-FG5crHMKm8cb-ZHH1G-Gf_UXB8d0=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'2159121322',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Compiling a 9.5 WAR across your first two seasons isn\u2019t anything to take lightly, but that\u2019s exactly what <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/l\/langfwy01.shtml\"><strong>Wyatt Langford<\/strong><\/a> has done.<\/p>\n<p>A plus defender with above-average speed and raw power, Langford has already established himself as one of the game\u2019s top outfielders. The path to a starting spot in 2030 couldn\u2019t be clearer, since players like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/s\/sotoju01.shtml\"><strong>Juan Soto<\/strong><\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/r\/rodriju01.shtml\"><strong>Julio Rodriguez<\/strong><\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/a\/acunaro01.shtml\"><strong>Ronald Acuna Jr.<\/strong><\/a> don\u2019t play for Team USA.<\/p>\n<h4>Center Field: Roman Anthony<\/h4>\n<p><a id=\"QJl3qXhJTlJww9KD3WzEYQ\" class=\"gie-single\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/2233244709\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'QJl3qXhJTlJww9KD3WzEYQ',sig:'Gudx5LHQlfRb3aMDdnSFBfu1fMRyEMNDlKho9gfXnh8=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'2233244709',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/a\/anthoro01.shtml\"><strong>Roman Anthony<\/strong><\/a> got a taste of WBC action this year, and he didn\u2019t disappoint.<\/p>\n<p>In seven games, Anthony hit .280 with two home runs, seven RBI, and a .920 OPS. The lights were never too bright for the 21-year-old, evidenced by his go-ahead solo home run in Team USA\u2019s 2\u20131 victory over Team Dominican Republic in the semifinals.<\/p>\n<p>If Anthony was this good under pressure after 71 major league games, one can only imagine how good he\u2019ll be in 2030 with four full seasons under his belt.<\/p>\n<h4>Right Field: Corbin Carroll<\/h4>\n<p><a id=\"C4f2V_pLQbh3db7uRSatlw\" class=\"gie-single\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/2214788103\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'C4f2V_pLQbh3db7uRSatlw',sig:'04h6PWAAeavSZZlIUeFo27UfOSwTpKQD1zHw5_OemQA=',w:'594px',h:'401px',items:'2214788103',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n<p>After missing the 2026 WBC due to injury, you would have to think <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/c\/carroco02.shtml\"><strong>Corbin Carroll<\/strong><\/a> is determined to make it back in 2030.<\/p>\n<p>Like Henderson and Witt Jr., Carroll offers the rare combination of power, speed, and defense. Of the three, his speed sticks out the most. Over the past three seasons, Carroll has stolen 121 bases, a number that trails only <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/d\/delacel01.shtml\"><strong>Elly De La Cruz<\/strong><\/a>. In addition, he\u2019s been in the 100th percentile for baserunning run value all three seasons, according to Baseball Savant.<\/p>\n<p>Carroll will be 29 in 2030, so while his speed might decrease slightly, it wouldn\u2019t be in a manner that would keep him off this list.<\/p>\n<h4>Designated Hitter: Aaron Judge<\/h4>\n<p><a id=\"D6a_dL0iSzZGfuKCgs-grA\" class=\"gie-single\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/2234926088\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'D6a_dL0iSzZGfuKCgs-grA',sig:'9Fk0a0GH0ifidVx_qw2zMVly7W5K_tFo9GbWVkXTwB0=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'2234926088',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/j\/judgeaa01.shtml\"><strong>Aaron Judge<\/strong><\/a> will be 37 in 2030, and he wasn\u2019t his usual self in the 2026 WBC. That being said, he still deserves a spot on Team USA in 2030.<\/p>\n<p>At the end of the day, Judge is the best pure hitter in baseball. In 2025, a season in which he won his third MVP in four seasons, Judge led baseball in batting average (.331), on-base percentage (.457), slugging percentage (.688), OPS (1.144), and WAR (9.7). That type of production cannot be left off Team USA\u2019s roster.<\/p>\n<p>Since he\u2019s Aaron Judge, playing the outfield in 2030 isn\u2019t out of the realm of possibility. However, with faster guys available, it\u2019s best if Judge stays in a DH role.<\/p>\n<h4>Pitcher: Paul Skenes<\/h4>\n<p><a id=\"2Po1_VHtQRJdUL6MRe6PNA\" class=\"gie-single\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/2229002906\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'2Po1_VHtQRJdUL6MRe6PNA',sig:'CEf8eFclKQHHmFjYtl_I8JAlzfYCoqYirUgG5HP16d8=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'2229002906',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/s\/skenepa01.shtml\"><strong>Paul Skenes<\/strong><\/a> was Team USA\u2019s ace in their starting rotation in the 2026 WBC, and there\u2019s no reason to think he won\u2019t be in 2030.<\/p>\n<p>Over two seasons, Skenes has posted a 1.96 ERA, a 0.95 WHIP, 13.5 WAR, and 386 strikeouts. In 2030, he&#8217;ll be much more comfortable, having signed a major contract with either the <a href=\"http:\/\/sportrelay.com\/mlb\/category\/pirates\">Pittsburgh Pirates<\/a> or another team. He\u2019s one of the best pitchers in baseball right now, and that should be the case in four years.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4>Main Photo:<\/h4>\n<p><a id=\"Yb1-Z9ydR01LW-Ogd4QziQ\" class=\"gie-single\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/2265693276\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'Yb1-Z9ydR01LW-Ogd4QziQ',sig:'rRRXlOhxXHI8upmHuBWHTJwSCBuJrqmyG8iSHu_-eU4=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'2265693276',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Following back-to-back World Baseball Classic Championship defeats, Team USA is undoubtedly looking ahead to the next WBC competition in 2030. Some of the roster, especially the young talent, will remain in place. However, there\u2019s bound to be turnover at several positions. This is a position-by-position breakdown of what Team USA\u2019s starting lineup could look like [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":37,"featured_media":18354,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pmpro_default_level":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2,2222],"tags":[2199,103,2102,450,77,1344,2348,518,1867,1262,910,208,390,1627,1053,1922,1616,195,2010,446,799,1465],"class_list":["post-18347","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mlb","category-world-baseball-classic","tag-2026-pittsburgh-pirates","tag-aaron-judge","tag-ben-rice","tag-bobby-witt-jr","tag-bryce-harper","tag-cal-raleigh","tag-carter-jensen","tag-corbin-carroll","tag-drake-baldwin","tag-elly-de-la-cruz","tag-gunnar-henderson","tag-juan-soto","tag-julio-rodriguez","tag-konnor-griffin","tag-matt-olson","tag-nick-kurtz","tag-paul-skenes","tag-pete-alonso","tag-roman-anthony","tag-ronald-acuna-jr","tag-spencer-torkelson","tag-wyatt-langford","pmpro-has-access","eq-blocks"],"yoast_head":"<!-- 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