Trout to lead Team USA as captain in 2023 WBC

Despite being unable to compete in the 2022 MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday at Dodger Stadium, Angels star Mike Trout stole the show at Media Day on Monday, announcing he'll compete and serve as captain for Team USA in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

"I'm looking forward to playing for our country," said the three-time American League MVP, who landed on the injured list Monday with left rib cage inflammation. "It means a lot to me and my family to represent our country. It's going to be awesome to have 'USA' across my chest. It really means a lot to me. It's going to be fun."

Trout elected not to compete in the last WBC in 2017, citing personal reasons. At the time, though, he didn't rule out the possibility of competing in the next time tournament -- which was initially set for 2021 but was postponed to '23 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It's a fun thing for the country," Trout told MLB.com back then. "It happens again in four years? Maybe next time I'll do it."

The Angels' center fielder boasts a career slash line of .303/.416/.584 to go along with 1,495 hits, 334 homers, 867 RBIs, 1,022 runs scored and a 1.000 OPS.