Yankees Up to 10 Players in WBC as Ryan Yarbrough Joins Team USA

Lefty Ryan Yarbrough added to Team USA roster, joining 9 other Yankees on WBC squads.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The New York Yankees will have 10 players from their projected Opening Day roster participating in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Lefty pitcher Ryan Yarbrough was a late addition to Team USA, joining Aaron Judge, David Bednar, and Paul Goldschmidt as Yankees representatives on the American squad.

Why it matters

The WBC provides a high-level international competition for top MLB players to represent their home countries. Having 10 Yankees on WBC rosters highlights the team's depth and talent, but also raises concerns about potential injuries to key players during the tournament.

The details

Yarbrough was added to Team USA as a substitute for Twins pitcher Joe Ryan, who is dealing with a back issue. Yarbrough had been lined up to pitch for the Yankees in a spring training game this weekend, but was sick on Friday and only played catch on Saturday. He will now presumably pitch in one of Team USA's exhibition games this week before the tournament begins.

  • Yarbrough was added to Team USA's roster on Sunday, March 1, 2026.
  • Team USA will play exhibition games against the Giants on Tuesday, March 4 and the Rockies on Wednesday, March 5 before beginning pool play on Friday, March 7 against Brazil.

The players

Ryan Yarbrough

A left-handed pitcher who re-signed with the Yankees as rotation depth, but will likely be in the bullpen if the rest of their starters get through spring training healthy.

Aaron Judge

The Yankees' star outfielder who is representing Team USA in the WBC.

David Bednar

A Yankees relief pitcher who is also on the Team USA roster.

Paul Goldschmidt

The Yankees' first baseman who is playing for Team USA in the WBC.

Joe Ryan

The Twins pitcher who was originally on the Team USA roster but had to withdraw due to a back issue.

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What they’re saying

“'Kind of times up with his next outing, when he'd pitch, so it makes some sense. Obviously a good opportunity.'”

— Aaron Boone, Yankees Manager (New York Post)

What’s next

Team USA will play exhibition games against the Giants and Rockies this week before beginning pool play in the World Baseball Classic on Friday, March 7 against Brazil.

The takeaway

The Yankees' strong representation on WBC rosters highlights the team's depth and talent, but also raises concerns about potential injuries to key players during the international tournament.