The Arizona Diamondbacks faced a setback on Wednesday when it was revealed that outfielder Corbin Carroll suffered a broken hamate bone in his hand, requiring surgery. This injury casts doubt on his availability for Opening Day and effectively rules him out of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, impacting both the Diamondbacks and Team USA’s roster.
Impact of Carroll’s Injury on Team USA Roster Plans
Team USA’s outfield lineup, which includes stars like Aaron Judge, Byron Buxton, and Pete Crow-Armstrong, now faces the challenge of replacing Carroll. Despite having a deep pool of talented players, losing Carroll’s presence is a significant blow to the team’s strength heading into the tournament.
One possible replacement discussed is Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels; however, there remain uncertainties about whether Trout will receive the necessary insurance approval to participate. If Trout is unavailable, Team USA will have to consider alternative options to fill the void.
Jackson Merrill’s Potential Role as Carroll’s Substitute
San Diego Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill has emerged as a credible candidate to replace Carroll. At just 22 years old, Merrill is recognized as one of baseball’s promising young talents, making the World Baseball Classic an ideal stage for him to gain international exposure.
In 2024, Merrill posted an impressive rookie season, finishing second in National League Rookie of the Year voting after batting .292/.326/.500 across 156 games. He contributed 24 home runs, 90 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases, compiling an .826 OPS, which marked a strong start to his professional career.
Though Merrill faced setbacks in 2025 due to injuries limiting him to 115 games, he still managed a .264/.317/.457 batting line. Both Merrill and the Padres may prefer that he focus on recovery and spring training with the team to regain form. Nonetheless, if Merrill is willing, he could be a viable replacement for Carroll in Team USA’s outfield for the WBC.
What Lies Ahead for Team USA and Merrill
Replacing a player of Carroll’s caliber will be a tough task for Team USA, as the tournament demands a roster of both seasoned and emerging talent. Merrill’s inclusion would introduce fresh energy and skill, though his participation depends on his health and the Padres’ approval.
The coming weeks will likely reveal how Team USA addresses this gap in their lineup and whether Merrill will rise to the opportunity. Meanwhile, Carroll focuses on his recovery, with the hope of returning strong for the Diamondbacks’ season.
News: Arizona Diamondbacks star outfielder Corbin Carroll broke the hamate bone in his right hand and is undergoing surgery today, sources tell ESPN. He will miss the World Baseball Classic and his ability to play Opening Day is now in question.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 11, 2026
