Former Blue Jays infielder named manager of Team USA
Photo credit: https://www.sportsnet.ca
Former Major League Baseball utility player Mark DeRosa has been named manager of Team USA for the 2026 edition of the World Baseball Classic. It will be his second straight time managing the National Team, after leading them to the finals in 2023.
DeRosa, who now works as an analyst for MLB Network, had a 16 year career and played for eight different teams, including the Blue Jays, whom he suited up for in 2013, the final season of his career.
Although DeRosa is returning as manager, Team USA will have a different General Manager as Michael Hill takes over from Tony Reagins.
The pools for the tournament were also finalized yesterday and Team USA will be in Pool B along with Mexico, Italy, Great Britain, and Brazil. Canada finds itself in Pool A.
The Pool B matchups will take place at Daikin Park in Houston from March 6-11, 2026. Pool A will play the group stage in Puerto Rico.
DeRosa was primarily a 2nd and third baseman throughout his career, but he appeared at every position except pitcher, catcher, and centre field.
DeRosa finished off his career with the Blue Jays, appearing in 88 games for the team and slashing .235/.326/.407 with seven home runs and 36 RBIs. His last home run came on July 27th, which was the 100th of his career.
The Blue Jays initially exercised their club option, but DeRosa ended up retiring after season's end. He then joined MLB Network as a studio analyst.
For his career, DeRosa slashed .268/.340/412 with 100 home runs, 494 RBIs and a 10.6 WAR in 1241 career games.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 10 | 63 ANSWERS Former Blue Jays infielder named manager of Team USA Will Mark DeRosa make a good manager? | ||
| Yes | 48 | 76.2 % |
| No | 15 | 23.8 % |
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