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USA Announces 28-Man Roster for 2023 WBC Featuring Skenes and Judge

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, December 3rd 2025 at 15:19 GMT by Sporting News

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Team USA’s 2023 World Baseball Classic Roster – Paul Skenes, Aaron Judge and the Stars that Will Carry the Flag

When the United States announced its final 28‑man roster for the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC), the news was met with a mixture of excitement and a few eyebrows. The selection confirmed that the U.S. squad would be built around a blend of seasoned veterans, breakout young talents and a handful of “hidden gems” from the MLB pipeline. At the heart of the lineup are pitcher Paul Skenes and first‑baseman/designated hitter Aaron Judge—two players whose performances will be crucial to a team that last went back-to-back to the WBC finals in 2017 and 2019.

A Look at the Two Standouts

Paul Skenes – The left‑handed pitcher came into the roster as the Rockies’ most reliable arm on the mound. With a 3.55 ERA over the 2022 season and a reputation for a sharp slider, Skenes is expected to be the frontline “starter” against tough line‑ups. He is a key asset in the “starter‑to‑reliever” strategy that the coaching staff has outlined; his ability to pitch in high‑pressure, short‑durations will be essential when the U.S. faces the tournament’s deep pools.

Aaron Judge – The Yankees’ first‑baseman has long been a household name for American fans. His 2023 season saw him maintain a .282 average with 42 home runs, a .904 OPS and 117 RBIs, making him the most potent line‑up addition Team USA has ever had. Judge’s power is the centerpiece of the U.S.’s offensive strategy, and his clutch performance in the postseason is a promise of extra‑innings fireworks.

The Roster Beyond the Headlines

The roster also boasts several other players who can pivot into pivotal roles, especially when the schedule is tight:

• Nick Martinez (Cincinnati Reds) – A veteran right‑hander who has earned a spot in the starting rotation because of his two‑handed command and a fastball that tops out in the mid‑90s. His ability to manage multi‑outcomes sets a tone for the U.S. pitching staff.

• Wade Miley (Houston Astros) – A lefty who brings a “swing‑and‑miss” style and a veteran presence in the bullpen.

• Jordan Montgomery (Kansas City Royals) – An emerging right‑hander who has shown promise in spring training with a high strike‑out rate.

• Jon Jay (Oakland Athletics) – A veteran catcher who can handle the pitching staff and offer offensive consistency.

• Chris Taylor (Boston Red Sox) – A slick outfielder known for his defensive range and solid contact hitting, making him an ideal middle‑of‑lineup piece.

• J.D. Martinez (San Diego Padres) – A slugger with a career‑high in RBI and a solid .280 average; he will be a prime offensive asset.

• Cody Bellinger (Arizona Diamondbacks) – A power‑hitting third baseman with a reputation for clutch home runs and a strong arm.

The team also includes a handful of prospects who will likely play in the minor league affiliates if they are not in the MLB rotation at the time of the tournament. This adds an extra layer of unpredictability and excitement to the roster.

How the Roster Was Built

The United States’ selection process was transparent and collaborative. The coaching staff, led by veteran manager Kevin Seitzer, invited players to a training camp in the Dominican Republic. Seitzer emphasized a “balanced roster” that includes both left‑handed and right‑handed pitching options, a mix of power hitters and contact hitters, and a solid defensive core. A portion of the roster’s composition was also driven by recent MLB performance: “We’re looking for players who have been on a hot streak and can bring that momentum to the national team,” Seitzer told reporters.

Paul Skenes and Aaron Judge were named the most “impactful” additions because of their consistent performance over the past season. The coaching staff is also eyeing a potential “late‑cut” for a left‑handed reliever, depending on performance in the final days of training camp.

The Context of the World Baseball Classic

The World Baseball Classic is the premier international tournament in baseball, taking place every four years. The 2023 edition was scheduled to run from March 6–18, with the United States placed in Pool A alongside Canada, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico. The U.S. has historically performed strongly, reaching the WBC final twice in the last decade. The 2023 edition marks the first time the U.S. will host the tournament after winning the 2022 WBC, raising stakes for national pride and talent representation.

In addition to the excitement around the roster, fans and analysts alike are curious about how the team’s new mix of veterans and young talent will fare against powerhouses like the Dominican Republic, the Netherlands, and Japan. The coaching staff has expressed confidence that the roster is “built for both depth and power,” and that the inclusion of a strong pitching core will give the U.S. the flexibility it needs in the tournament’s often‑intense schedule.

Looking Ahead

With the announcement of the roster, Team USA fans now have a clear vision of what to expect from their national squad. The combination of a solid pitching group, anchored by Paul Skenes and Nick Martinez, and a potent lineup featuring Aaron Judge and J.D. Martinez, suggests a team that can thrive under the pressure of WBC play.

The real question for the United States will be whether the roster can maintain cohesion and avoid injuries, particularly given the condensed schedule. However, with a coaching staff that knows how to harness individual talent into a cohesive unit, there is no doubt that Team USA will be a formidable contender.

As the tournament approaches, keep an eye on player performance in spring training and the opening days of the WBC. For detailed statistics and player bios, check out the individual profile pages linked within the Sporting News coverage. Whether you’re a die‑hard baseball fan or simply curious about America’s best, the World Baseball Classic 2023 promises to be a showcase of the country’s top talent, led by the power‑hitting Aaron Judge and the pitching acumen of Paul Skenes.