Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr. channels ‘Mamba Mentality’ before World Baseball Classic
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- Bobby Witt Jr. channels 'Mamba Mentality' and prepares for key 2026 WBC role.
- Royals send multiple players to national teams; USA faces Italy March 10.
- Witt prioritized offseason conditioning; WBC could cause him to miss much of spring camp.
Kansas City Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. knows bragging rights are on the line.
When he steps onto the global stage at the 2026 World Baseball Classic, Witt will be competing to win the ultimate prize.
Even if it means beating his Royals teammates.
“It’s always fun getting to face up against those guys,” Witt said. “You saw it whenever Kobe (Bryant) was doing it with Team USA — he (plowed through) a screen through Paul Gasol or whoever it was. When you are out there, you’re trying to win. That’s what my mantra is. They’re teammates now, and when that comes, we’re still teammates.
“But for me, I always want to win.”
The Royals have multiple players competing in the WBC. Witt will be joined by Michael Wacha with the United States. Vinnie Pasquantino and Jac Caglianone will play for Italy.
Those countries will match up on March 10 in Pool B play.
The Royals also have Seth Lugo playing for Puerto Rico while Salvador Perez and Maikel Garcia joined Team Venezuela. Additionally, Royals closer Carlos Estévez will represent the Dominican Republic.
Witt will make his second WBC appearance. He didn’t play much during the 2023 tournament but is expected to have a major role this time around.
As a result, he’s focused on building up physically. He’s worked different areas of his body to handle the accelerated buildup this spring.
“Just making sure that my body is right,” Witt said. “Making sure I’m on my feet a lot more during this time before spring training and everything. Making sure my legs are ready and my arms are ready. Just making sure that I’m ready to get going from pitch one of the WBC and pitch one from the first game of the spring.”
Should the United States make the WBC title game, Witt would miss a significant portion of Royals camp. He would only be available to play in a handful of spring games before the team departs for the regular season.
It’s why his offseason work was so important. The Royals will count on him to carry a sizable load if they are to return to the postseason.
“I feel like there is room for improvement in all the parts of my game,” Witt said. “And that’s what I feel like I did. I feel great coming into this year and just trying to be consistent as possible and stay healthy through it all.”
The Royals begin Cactus League play against the Texas Rangers at Surprise Stadium on Friday afternoon.
Witt has a little over two weeks left before he joins his Team USA teammates. The group will play their WBC pool games in Houston at Daikin Park. The WBC title game will be on March 17 at loanDepot Park in Miami.
Japan won the 2023 WBC title against the United States. Now, Witt hopes for better luck as he represents his home country.
“I feel more ready than I would’ve coming into any other spring training,” Witt said. “So yeah, it’s going to be a lot of fun and a lot of excitement.”
This story was originally published February 16, 2026 at 12:12 PM with the headline "Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr. channels ‘Mamba Mentality’ before World Baseball Classic."
