Choosing players from an incredibly talented field is always a challenging task for Team USA. There will always be snubs, and Trea Turner appears to be one of those glaringly left off the Americans’ roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Turner was ready to answer the call for Team USA, literally and figuratively. But that did not happen.
“I don’t know if it was disappointed,” the 32-year-old Philadelphia Phillies star shortstop told reporters on Monday when asked about not being part of Team USA, via Tim Kelly of On Pattison. “It’s something I want to do. Phone never rang.”
Turner, however, is taking the snub in stride. He wishes nothing but the best for Team USA, saying he’ll still be watching and supporting the squad.
“Happens. But I wish those guys all the best. It’s so much fun. I gladly would have done it again. I said it last time, if they ever ask I would say yes. They’ve got a great roster this year. Stacked. So I think we’re in a good spot to win. I’ll definitely be watching.”
Team USA instead went with Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals and Gunnar Henderson of the Baltimore Orioles at shortstop.
Understandably, Turner’s comments and the fact that he was left off sparked plenty of reactions from the fans.
No disrespect but how did we roster Turang over Trea Turner bro
— Everything Yankees (@eyyankees) February 16, 2026
Kinda crazy when he was the best player last time
— Herald J. Kuntz (Alpha Male) (@Herald41039718) February 16, 2026
A versatile player like Trea easily could’ve helped that team
— Courtside Commentary (@Courtsidecom) February 17, 2026
Although Bobby clears Trae. Trae hit the biggest home run last WBC, although I agree with decision it was crazy not to consider the guy who was big reason USA made final. Without that homer who knows if team USA makes the final
— Ben (@Bencryptoimp88) February 16, 2026
that’s messed up, my goat carried team usa to the championship
— J.D (@JD4126718241669) February 16, 2026
Turner was Team USA’s top performer at the plate in the 2023 edition of the World Baseball Classic, where the Americans finished runner-up. In that tournament, Turner hit .391/.440/1.043 and blasted 5 home runs with 11 RBIs in six games. His clutch go-ahead home run in the quarterfinals against Venezuela played a huge role in why the Americans made it all the way to the finals.
