Coming off their first NCAA Tournament berth in a decade, it is certainly an exciting time for USC baseball. In addition to the current team, it is also an exciting time for a notable alum of the program. On Thursday, it was announced that former USC star catcher Garrett Stubbs will once again represent Team Israel in next year’s World Baseball Classic.

Stubbs previously played for Israel in the World Baseball Classic in 2023. Although he is from San Diego, he is eligible to play for the team due to the fact that he is Jewish.

“I’m incredibly excited and honored to represent Israel in the World Baseball Classic,” Stubbs said. “Being able to connect with my heritage on such a global stage, alongside so many talented players, is a truly special opportunity. I’m ready to help Team Israel compete at the highest level.”

Stubbs played at USC from 2012-2015. During his senior year, he was named an All-American behind the plate and won the Johnny Bench Award as the top catcher in the country. He also helped lead the Trojans to what was, prior to this past season, their most recent NCAA Tournament appearance.

The Houston Astros selected Stubbs in the eighth round of the 2015 MLB Draft. He made his major league debut with the team in 2019 and spent parts of three seasons with the team before being traded to the Philadelphia Phillies in November 2021. Stubbs spent the past three seasons as Philadelphia’s backup catcher, but has spent all of 2025 thus far with Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Garrett Stubbs returns to World Baseball Classic with Team Israel