Harper suffered a torn ligament in his right elbow during the 2022 season and was relegated mostly to being a designated hitter through the Phillies’ run to the World Series. He had Tommy John elbow surgery in the offseason and didn’t return until May 2023.

With Aaron Judge being announced as the captain for the 2026 World Baseball Classic USA Team, there could be a few Philadelphia Phillies players who join him. Notably, Bryce Harper would be the player the USA Team would love to have, but it might not be as easy to get him on the team as it seems.

As the Team USA roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic continues to take shape, a veteran slugger lobbied for a spot. Per Tim Healey of Newsday, New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso said he wants to make his second trip to the WBC for Team USA,