Key Highlights
- Brice Turang selected for the 2026 World Baseball Classic roster.
- Turang’s first appreciation of the Classic came during the 2017 championship game in Dodger Stadium.
- The 26-year-old Turang brings a well-rounded skillset to Team USA, including hitting ability and defensive excellence.
- 14 Brewers players will compete in the World Baseball Classic representing nine different countries.
Turang’s Journey to the International Stage
Brice Turang, a 26-year-old second baseman for the Milwaukee Brewers, has been selected for the 2026 World Baseball Classic roster. “When I got the call, I was so excited,” he said, recalling his reaction to being chosen for Team USA.
First real appreciation for the Classic came during the 2017 tournament when Turang witnessed the United States secure its first title with a 8–0 victory over Puerto Rico at Dodger Stadium. “That’s about when I started paying attention,” he said.
A Family Legacy in Baseball
Turang’s baseball pedigree is evident, coming from parents who have both played in professional leagues. His father, Brian Turang, had a brief stint with the Seattle Mariners from 1993-94, and his mother, Carrie, was a player during her collegiate softball career. Raised in this environment, Turang showed promise early on, winning medals for Team USA at the World Cup.
He made his Major League debut at 23, quickly becoming the starting second-base player.
In 2024, he won the National League Gold Glove Award. Last season, he hit .288 with a .794 OPS, 18 home runs and 24 stolen bases, playing a key role in Milwaukee’s postseason run.
Preparing for International Competition
Now, Turang prepares to wear the stars and stripes on the international stage. “Yeah, it means a lot to represent your country that you love and care about, and you want to win for your country,” he said.
Turang is especially looking forward to building relationships inside the clubhouse. Many of his Team USA teammates spend the season on opposing rosters, and some he has yet to formally meet. “I’m really excited to learn from those guys and then compete against other countries. It’s going to be a great experience,” Turang said.
Manager’s Perspective
Manager Pat Murphy remains unfazed by the departure of several players for their national teams. “I trust our players’ ability,” he said, emphasizing that the experience gained in different environments can accelerate their development.
Murphy added, “Putting yourself in a new environment is a learning experience in itself. Representing your country, playing alongside different teammates, competing with the urgency of having to win, all of that is a positive.” He also noted that experiencing a short tournament format prepares players for the postseason. “That’s a great experience going through that journey, and then a whole different experience when you play playoff baseball,” he said.
Despite Turang’s passion, his approach remains humble: “I’m just going to do whatever the situation calls for, whatever the team needs.” He will continue to be the player he is and let those guys be the players they are. For Turang, it’s all about playing hard and giving everything he has as a member of the senior level national team.
