Mark DeRosa, manager of the United States national team at the 2026 World Baseball Classic, responded to criticism of his lineup decisions and tournament preparation during an in-game interview with Fox Sports ahead of Team USA's Pool C match against Canada.

"I have an undying passion for it and an undying belief in every guy on this roster," DeRosa said. He added, "I don't think there's an A or a B. I think they're all A's."[1]

The remarks followed Team USA's loss to Italy in pool play at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas, where DeRosa's pre-game comment that the team had secured advancement to the knockout rounds proved premature.[1]

Team USA competed in Pool C alongside Mexico, Canada, Italy and Great Britain, with the top two teams advancing to the quarterfinals. Pool play ran from March 6 to 10, 2026, at Daikin Park, home of the Houston Astros.[2][3]

DeRosa, who guided Team USA to the 2023 World Baseball Classic title with a 3-2 win over Japan in the final, managed a roster featuring New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge and Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber.[2][4]

Team USA advanced from Pool C despite the setback against Italy, finishing second in the group and entering a tougher quarterfinal bracket.

The United States entered the tournament as one of the pre-event favorites given its depth of major league talent.

Sources

1. Fox Sports, "World Baseball Classic coverage," accessed April 2025, https://www.foxsports.com/world-baseball-classic
2. MLB.com, "World Baseball Classic pool locations, teams announced for 2026," October 15, 2024, https://www.mlb.com/news/world-baseball-classic-pool-locations-teams-announced-for-2026
3. MLB.com, "World Baseball Classic managers announced for 2026 tournament," October 8, 2024, https://www.mlb.com/news/world-baseball-classic-national-team-managers-announced-for-2026
4. MLB.com, "United States defeats Japan to win 2023 World Baseball Classic," March 21, 2023, https://www.mlb.com/news/team-usa-wins-2023-world-baseball-classic