

The idea was to dream up an American version of the Samurai Japan squad that denied the USA a second straight WBC championship: a proper collection of the 30 best players the country has to offer. Or at least, this is what we told ourselves as we picked a preliminary dream team for the next iteration of Team USA. This said, it's not too early to dream big about what Team USA might bring to seek revenge in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. If you're going to fall short in the World Baseball Classic, it might as well be with a one-run loss in the championship game to an undefeated juggernaut, with your best hitter going down swinging against the opposition's best pitcher. Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

There may never be a better excuse to get Mike Trout and Bryce Harper on the same team.
