alex bregman was left out of Team USA’s lineup for the final pool‑play game against Italy, a move announced Tuesday by manager Mark DeRosa as the Americans entered the match after opening the tournament with three straight wins. The 31‑year‑old, who signed a five‑year, $175 million deal with the Chicago Cubs after opting out of his Red Sox contract, had posted a. 467 on‑base percentage with one extra‑base hit and three RBIs through his first three appearances. He remains away from Cubs camp while pursuing a WBC gold medal, with the situation evolving as of Mar. 10, 2026 ET.
Alex Bregman sits out vs. Italy; stars rested
Manager Mark DeRosa left alex bregman off the starting lineup for the Italy game, marking Bregman’s first time sitting during the tournament. The decision came amid a broader rest plan that also saw Cal Raleigh, Bryce Harper and Byron Buxton given the day off. Team USA began pool play with three straight wins, and Bregman’s early WBC work included a. 467 on‑base percentage, one extra‑base hit and three RBIs in his first three appearances.
Reactions from players and the player at the center
Alex Bregman addressed his choice to join Team USA this spring with clear conviction. Alex Bregman, third baseman for Team USA and recent signee of the Chicago Cubs, said, “[It was] not challenging, ” describing his decision to leave Cactus League work and represent his country. He added, “It’s an honor to represent our country, and I take great pride in wearing this uniform. “
Former teammates and opponents have weighed in on the move. Roman Anthony, Red Sox star, said, “We have a great relationship, ” when asked about Bregman’s ties to his former club. The comments underline the continuing personal and professional links Bregman maintains across club lines while wearing the USA uniform.
Background and immediate stakes
Bregman left Boston after exercising an opt‑out and secured a five‑year, $175 million contract with a full no‑trade clause from the Cubs; Boston had been unwilling to offer that clause. He had previously signed a three‑year, $120 million contract with the Red Sox that included opt‑outs after each season, and the Red Sox had offered a five‑year, $165 million deal without a no‑trade clause. Bregman missed the 2023 WBC after breaking his finger in Game 7 of the 2022 World Series.
Team USA faces a narrow path forward in Pool B: under the current bracket math, the Americans could be eliminated depending on the Mexico‑Italy result. If Mexico defeats Italy while posting four or fewer runs, Team USA would not advance to the quarterfinals. Those permutations frame the high stakes for a roster that has mixed rest decisions with win‑now pressures.
What’s next for Bregman and Team USA
alex bregman will have further opportunities in the tournament if Team USA advances, and he is expected to eventually return to the Cubs to shift focus toward Opening Day and the 2026 season. The Cubs view his arrival as a major addition to a young roster, banking on his decade of experience—highlighted by two World Series championships, three All‑Star selections, a Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger—to bolster their push toward contention. For now, attention turns to the Pool B finale and the Mexico‑Italy outcome that will determine whether Team USA and Bregman remain in the WBC hunt, with developments tracked closely as of Mar. 10, 2026 ET.
