Kyle Schwarber Signs $150M Deal and Joins USA’s World Baseball Classic Roster—Which Surprising Stars Made the Cut?

Kyle Schwarber had a day to remember on Tuesday—big news came his way that’s sure to keep Phillies fans buzzing for quite some time. The power hitter put pen to paper on a hefty five-year deal worth $150 million, securing his place in Philadelphia’s lineup for years ahead. But that wasn’t all. Schwarber also earned a coveted spot on Team USA’s World Baseball Classic roster, joining a stellar group of Major League stars gearing up for the international showdown this March. Alongside him, talents like Gunnar Henderson, Brice Turang, and Will Smith are set to represent the red, white, and blue, with Aaron Judge stepping in as captain for his WBC debut. It’s shaping up to be a thrilling tournament, especially with champions like Japan and powerhouses like Schwarber hitting the mound and the batters’ box. Trust me, this lineup isn’t one to overlook—it’s loaded with MVP finalists, Cy Young winners, and top-tier athletes ready to make their mark on baseball’s global stage. LEARN MORE

Tuesday was a good day to be Kyle Schwarber.

The Philadelphia slugger agreed to a five-year, $150 million contract to remain with the Phillies. And he was announced as one of four new players selected to USA’s World Baseball Classic team.

USA Baseball announced Tuesday that Schwarber, Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson, Brewers second baseman Brice Turang and Dodgers catcher Will Smith will join a WBC roster that’s already laden with MLB stars.

Aaron Judge, Cal Raleigh, Paul Skenes and Bobby Witt Jr. are among the players previously selected to play for Team USA in the international competition that will commence in March. Judge will serve as captain in his first WBC appearance.

Judge is a three-time MVP. Skenes is a unanimous Cy Young Winner. And Schwarber and Raleigh were both MVP finalists in 2025.

USA Baseball announced the new additions via multiple social media posts, including one featuring Schwarber’s 10-pitch at-bat in the 2023 WBC championship game vs. Japan that ended with a solo home run to cut Japan’s lead to 3-2.

But Schwarber’s blast wasn’t enough to propel USA to victory. Against a Japan team that sent out Shohei Ohtani as its closer, USA didn’t score again as Japan secured a 3-2 victory to win the WBC.

Ohtani will be playing for Japan again in March, fresh off securing his fourth MLB MVP award in five seasons. And Japan will be seeking its fourth championship after winning three of the five previous WBCs (2006, 2009, 2023).

The Dominican Repbulic won in 2013. And USA will be seeking its second title after winning in 2017.

More MLB news

MLB Draft Lottery delivers shakeup after White Sox at No 1 what does it mean for next years draft class

USA Baseball’s WBC roster

Here’s what USA’s roster looks like so far, with more additions to come:

Paul Skenes, SP, Pittsburgh Pirates
Matthew Boyd, SP, Chicago Cubs

Cal Raleigh, C, Seattle Mariners
Will Smith, C, Los Angeles Dodgers
Brice Turang, 2B, Milwaukee Brewers
Bobby Witt Jr., SS, Kansas City Royals
Gunnar Henderson, SS, Baltimore Orioles
Aaron Judge, OF, New York Yankees
Corbin Carroll, OF, Arizona Diamondbacks
Pete Crow-Armstrong, OF, Chicago Cubs
Kyle Schwarber, DH, Philadelphia Phillies