Michael Hill Named General Manager for Team USA at 2026 World Baseball Classic

CARY, N.C. — USA Baseball announced today that Michael Hill, the longtime general manager and current senior vice president of on-field operations for Major League Baseball, will serve as the general manager for Team USA at the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Mark DeRosa will manage Team USA, returning for a second consecutive time after leading the team to a silver medal in 2023.

Hill has worked nearly two decades in various roles within the Miami Marlins’ organization, rising from assistant general manager to president of baseball operations. His appointment comes as a significant milestone for Team USA as it prepares for the prestigious tournament.

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

DeRosa, a 16-year MLB veteran, previously represented the U.S. in the 2009 World Baseball Classic and currently co-hosts MLB Central on MLB Network. “Getting the chance to share the clubhouse and dugout with USA’s greatest staff and players was one of the highlights of my life,” said DeRosa. “I’m extremely grateful and fired up to get another opportunity to put USA across my chest come March.”

Paul Seiler, USA Baseball’s Executive Director/CEO, expressed his enthusiasm for the new appointments. “We are extremely excited to begin the 2026 World Baseball Classic process by welcoming Michael and Mark to our staff,” he said. “For nearly thirty years, Michael has taken on many key roles throughout Major League Baseball and has made an incredible impact on our game. Mark garnered respect from some of baseball’s biggest stars in 2023 and is a great fit to return to the U.S. dugout in 2026. We are ready and eager to begin building a championship roster to represent the United States in the World Baseball Classic.”

Hill is a Harvard University graduate, drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 31st round in 1993. His career includes playing in the Rangers’ and Cincinnati Reds’ systems before transitioning to front office roles. He started with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 1995 and moved to the Colorado Rockies in 1999 as their director of player development.

In 2002, Hill became the assistant general manager for the Marlins and five years later was promoted to general manager, guiding the Marlins to their first playoff appearance in 17 years, achieving the role of president of baseball operations in 2014 until 2020. Currently, as MLB’s senior vice president, he oversees umpiring and discipline across Major and Minor League levels.

DeRosa was drafted in the seventh round by the Atlanta Braves in 1996 and made his MLB debut in 1998. Over 16 seasons, he played with various teams, including the Braves, Texas Rangers, Chicago Cubs, Cleveland Indians, St. Louis Cardinals, San Francisco Giants, Washington Nationals, and Toronto Blue Jays, ending his career as a versatile defender with 100 home runs and 494 RBIs.

In 2009, he significantly contributed to Team USA’s first semifinal run in the WBC, batting .316 and driving in a team-high nine runs. After retiring, DeRosa transitioned to his current role at the MLB Network, beginning in 2013.

Team USA is part of Pool B for the 2026 World Baseball Classic alongside Brazil, Great Britain, Italy, and Mexico. This round is set for March 6-11 at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas, home of the Houston Astros. The top two nations will then advance to the quarterfinals in Houston.

The sixth edition of the World Baseball Classic is scheduled from March 5-17 and will also feature venues like Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico; Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan; and loanDepot Park in Miami, Florida. Miami will host the semifinal round on March 15 and 16, as well as the championship game on March 17.

For ongoing updates on Team USA’s preparations, follow @USABaseball on social media platforms.