Tigers’ Riley Greene rejected by Team USA for 2026 World Baseball Classic originally appeared on The Sporting News.
Riley Greene, the promising outfielder for the Detroit Tigers, recently completed an All-Star season, showcasing his talents and solidifying his reputation among the league’s elite. However, as the countdown to the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) begins, Greene learned the disappointing news: Team USA has opted not to include him on their roster.
This situation isn’t new for Greene. He was also left off the Team USA roster during the 2023 WBC, marking a troubling trend for a player eager to represent his country on an international stage. According to Evan Petzold of The Detroit Free Press, Greene has one potential alternative: he could join Team Puerto Rico, thanks to his heritage through his mother.
Tigers’ Riley Greene Rejected from Team USA World Baseball Classic Roster
The decision not to include Greene this time around likely stems from the roster’s desired balance. Team USA General Manager Michael Hill elaborated, explaining, “Riley is another left-handed bat, so we’ve talked about providing a balanced roster—not overly left-handed or right-handed.” Hill emphasized that while Greene was considered, the focus is now on constructing a team with a right-handed tilt for upcoming matches.
With other left-handed outfielders like Pete Crow-Armstrong and Corbin Carroll already securing positions, Greene faces stiff competition for playing time on the Team USA roster. His status as a left-handed hitter, while beneficial for his regular season with the Tigers, unfortunately, doesn’t suit Team USA’s current strategy.
Despite the intrigue of an offer from Team Puerto Rico, Greene seems committed to his aspiration of playing for Team USA. His competitive spirit shines through, particularly as he reflects on his previous successes with the national team. In 2018, he shone as part of the U18 national team during the Pan-American Championships, where he boasted an impressive .424 batting average and hit three home runs, making him one of the standout players of the tournament.
As it stands, barring any unforeseen circumstances, Greene does not expect to play in the WBC this year. His dreams of sporting the Team USA jersey remain unfulfilled, and he currently has no intention of transitioning to Team Puerto Rico despite ongoing discussions and overtures from figures like Carlos Beltran, who are eager to roster him for the Puerto Rican squad.
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As the Tigers prepare for their upcoming season, Greene’s focus will remain on continuing his development and contributing to his Major League team. Fans and analysts alike will keep a close eye on how this latest setback influences his career trajectory, particularly as he seeks to establish himself not only as a formidable talent in MLB but also as a potential fixture in international play for years to come.