Mariners' Cal Raleigh makes 2026 World Baseball Classic announcement

Billy Heyen

Mariners' Cal Raleigh makes 2026 World Baseball Classic announcement image

The United States has its backstop.

For the 2026 World Baseball Classic, Team USA will call on Cal Raleigh to put on the catching gear.

The Seattle Mariners announced Monday that Raleigh will be on the 2026 WBC roster.

It's just the continuation of an astounding year for Raleigh, who will compete in the Home Run Derby on Monday night and then catch and bat cleanup for the American League on Tuesday night in the All-Star Game.

Raleigh has blasted 38 homers before the All-Star break, second all-time behind Barry Bonds. He also has 10 stolen bases.

Both of those are career bests for a full season for the 6-foot-2, 235-pound catcher.

MORE: Here's why Cal Raleigh is called Big Dumper

And oh yeah, he switch hits and is a phenomenal defender.

Raleigh does it all.

And with Aaron Judge already committed to Team USA, maybe he and Raleigh can run back the AL All-Star lineup, where Judge bats third and Raleigh fourth. Already committed alongside the slugging pair are Bobby Witt Jr. and Paul Skenes.

It'll definitely be a blast.

MORE: Cal Raleigh reveals why he loves baseball

Billy Heyen

Billy Heyen is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He is a 2019 graduate of Syracuse University who has written about many sports and fantasy sports for The Sporting News. Sports reporting work has also appeared in a number of newspapers, including the Sandusky Register and Rochester Democrat & Chronicle