Baseball: World Baseball Classic Semifinal Japan vs Mexico Baseball: World Baseball Classic Semifinal Japan vs Mexico

Former Cubs manager joins Team USA staff for 2026 WBC

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Tyler Koerth | Last updated Apr 12, 2025 7:00 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs were well represented during the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC). Back then, a few familiar names participating included Mark Derosa managing Team USA, Marcus Stroman pitching for Team Puerto Rico, Seiya Suzuki on Team Japan, and Javier Assad on Team Mexico.

In 2026, the WBC will return. Derosa is set to manage Team USA again, but will be doing so with the help of a former Cubs manager.

What is the World Baseball Classic?

Baseball: World Baseball Classic Semifinal Japan vs Mexico Baseball: World Baseball Classic Semifinal Japan vs Mexico

The World Baseball Classic is a round robin style tournament that features the best players in the world representing their home countries. In 2026 it will take place over four cities, San Juan, Houston, Tokyo, and Miami. The tournament will run March 5-17.

Former Chicago Cubs manager David Ross is joining Team USA’s coaching staff for the 2026 World Baseball Classic

MLB: Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee Brewers MLB: Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee Brewers

David Ross, who managed the Cubs from 2020-2023, will be a bullpen coach for Team USA . Ross also played for the Cubs in 2015 and 2016. The catcher retired after Chicago won the World Series in 2016 and succeeded Joe Maddon as the teams skipper.

110 big-league seasons.
24 All-Star Game appearances.
11 World Series titles.
8,566 career hits.

Our coaching staff for the 2026 World Baseball Classic is LOADED

: https://t.co/EDREzeQJxp pic.twitter.com/A46VNTv77v

— USA Baseball (@USABaseball) April 11, 2025

Ross brings a wealth of experience, both as a former player and manager, to Team USA’s 2026 WBC coaching staff. Other new coaches include Skip Schumaker, Matt Holliday, George Lombard, and Fredi González.

Hopefully Ross will be able to be a part of a championship USA team. They are looking to win the WBC for the first time since 2017. During the last WBC, 2023, Team USA lost to Japan in the title game.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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