Bobby Witt Jr. and Gunnar Henderson will both suit up for Team USA at the World Baseball Classic.
As Team USA begins shaping its roster for the upcoming World Baseball Classic, one of the most intriguing position battles revolves around Kansas City Royals superstar Bobby Witt Jr.
Widely viewed as one of the most complete players in MLB, Witt has emerged as a key figure not only for the Royals but also for the future of Team USA. His combination of elite athleticism, power, speed and defense makes him a natural fit at shortstop on an international stage where every roster spot carries enormous weight.
For Kansas City, Witt’s inclusion in Team USA discussions is another sign of how far the franchise has come. The Royals have built much of their long-term vision around him, and he has already established himself as a perennial MVP candidate and one of the faces of the sport.
As the WBC approaches, his potential role carries significance both nationally and back in Kansas City, where fans see him as a symbol of the club’s resurgence.
That spotlight has grown brighter this winter as Team USA officials evaluate how to deploy their infield talent. Baltimore Orioles All-Star Gunnar Henderson recently addressed the competition directly, offering clarity on how the decision may unfold.
“Orioles’ Gunnar Henderson says he’s open to playing both shortstop and third base for Team USA in the WBC. He was told that who will start (his competition at SS is Bobby Witt Jr.) will depend on who’s swinging the hottest bat at the time,” reported Matt Weyrich of The Baltimore Sun this week.
The comment underscores that Witt is firmly in the conversation as the potential everyday shortstop for the United States in March.
For Witt, the competition speaks volumes about his standing in the game. He has developed into a player who impacts all facets and thrives under pressure, traits that translate well to international competition.
His defensive consistency at shortstop, paired with explosive offensive production, makes him a difficult player to keep out of the lineup if he is performing anywhere near his standard level.
From the Royals’ perspective, Witt representing Team USA would further elevate the franchise’s profile. Kansas City has not always been a pipeline for international stardom, but Witt’s rise has changed that narrative.
His presence on a global stage reinforces the idea that the Royals are no longer rebuilding around potential, but around proven elite talent.
As the international tournament draws closer, the battle between Witt and Henderson will be one of the event’s most compelling storylines.