Inside Team USA's 2026 World Baseball Classic arrival - ESPN

Four days before Team USA's World Baseball Classic opener against Brazil, a dream team months in the making became reality as the members of a star-studded roster gathered together for the first time.

Before the lone team workout at Phoenix's Papago Sports Complex on Monday, Team USA captain Aaron Judge stood in front of his teammates.

«The biggest thing I said was, 'Dive into everybody.' Get to know them. Ask questions. That's the quickest way, especially when it gets real on the field. We're down, tough situation. We have to have each other's backs. Just try to bond as much as you can. Have fun.»

«The room has a presence. That's what I felt when I stood up there. We could talk about our players but look at our coaching staff. We have All-Star, Silver Sluggers, World Series champs. Some of the best players to play the game in one room, so to get a chance to address them and talk with them is such an honor.»

The expedited bonding experience continued later that night over dinner at the prestigious Global Ambassador Hotel, when 23-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps addressed the team with a message that «second place is not going to get it done» and the players stuck around long after their meal getting to know each other and their coaching staff better.

«Dinner was supposed to be done at 9:30. We stayed until 11:45 telling stories,» reliever Brad Keller said. «We've only been together for a few days. Baseball is the biggest, smallest world.»

From the initial commitments to the first moments as teammates — here is how Team USA came together, through the types of players who will be donning the Red, White and Blue together in the weeks ahead.

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