Byron Buxton is expected to be named to Team USA's provisional roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, according to The Minnesota Star Tribune's Bobby Nightengale. He would join an outfield that includes three-time American League MVP Aaron Judge, Arizona Diamondbacks right fielder Corbin Carroll and Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong.
“It’s time for the world to see [Buxton],” said Team USA manager Mark DeRosa. “He used to work out with us as a young kid and kind of watched him become a star. He’s been nicked up by injuries. He’s healthy now. He just hit 35 jacks. It’s kind of time for the world to see him run around in center field, in my opinion.”
With Kyle Schwarber set to be Team USA's designated hitter, one star outfielder will have to sit on the bench for important games. Judge is a lock to start in right field, and Carroll, who hits both righties and lefties well, will likely hold down left field. Buxton and Crow-Armstrong will likely compete for the starting center field job.
Buxton is coming off his healthiest season since 2017, posting 4.9 bWAR and slashing .264/.327/.551 (136 OPS+) with career-highs in homers (35) and RBI (83) in 126 games. Crow-Armstrong had a very good season as well, posting 6.0 bWAR and a .247/.287/.481 (118 OPS+) slash line in 157 games.
There's a good chance that DeRosa will have Crow-Armstrong start in center field against lefties and have Buxton start at the position against lefties. Then, whoever isn't starting can be used as a pinch-hitter and pinch-runner.
Byron Buxton should start in center field for Team USA over Pete Crow-Armstrong
However, while Crow-Armstrong is arguably the best defensive center fielder in the league, Buxton is very close to his level. And offensively, Buxton is clearly better, against both righties and lefties. Therefore, DeRosa should start Buxton in center field in every tournament game for the USA.
Team USA also already has plenty of left-handed hitters in Carroll, Crow-Armstrong, Schwarber, Brice Turang, Bryce Harper and Gunnar Henderson. Starting Buxton over Crow-Armstrong would help create a more balanced lineup.