(Photo credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)

Mark DeRosa will return as manager of Team USA for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, USA Baseball announced Thursday.

'Getting the chance to share the clubhouse and dugout with USA's greatest staff and players was one of the highlights of my life,' DeRosa said. 'I'm extremely grateful and fired up to get another opportunity to put USA across my chest come March.'

Michael Hill also was named general manager for the squad, which earned a silver medal at the global competition in 2023.

'Having the opportunity to lead Team USA into the World Baseball Classic is an honor and a privilege for me,' Hill said. 'I look forward to working with Mark DeRosa and our coaching staff in building a team whose goal is to win a championship!'

DeRosa, 50, was a utilityman who played 16 seasons in the majors with eight teams from 1998-2013. He also has worked as a studio analyst for MLB Network.

Hill, 54, worked in the Miami Marlins' front office from 2002-20, including stints as general manager and president of baseball operations. He currently works for Major League Baseball, overseeing umpiring and on-field discipline.

The sixth edition of the World Baseball Classic takes place from March 5-17, 2026, with games played in Houston, Miami, Tokyo and San Juan, Puerto Rico. The semifinals and final will be held in Miami.

Team USA will compete in Pool B play in Houston from March 6-11 with Brazil, Great Britain, Italy and Mexico.

Japan is the defending champion, also having captured WBC titles at the first two events in 2006 and 2009. The Dominican Republic won in 2013 and Team USA took the crown in 2017.

--Field Level Media