Report: Trout, Harper not on preliminary U.S. WBC roster

Two of the best players in the game may not be suiting up for their country in March.

Mike Trout and Bryce Harper were the most prominent names reportedly left off the United States' preliminary roster list for the 2017 World Baseball Classic, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post. The two stars were left off the list because the country hasn't received firm commitments from either of them.

Harper, the 2015 NL MVP, has sported patriotic equipment in the past and isn't shy about his love of country. However, the 24-year-old had an injury-plagued 2016 campaign and appears to be leaning towards focusing on spring training with the Nationals, who had a disappointing end to their season in the division series.

"The key thing for players is routine," Harper's agent, Scott Boras, told Sherman. "The key thing (for Harper) certainly is to focus on conditioning and getting ready for the season."

Neither Trout nor his agent commented on his absence from the list, but if he does skip the tournament it would be a blow for the U.S., who would love to have the game's best all-around player at their disposal.

The final preliminary roster of 50 players is not due until January, and United States general manager Joe Torre told Sherman that the list could change and ultimately include Trout and/or Harper, as well as other American players who may want to join. Torre's preliminary list of 50 players does include several notable names, including pitchers Noah Syndergaard, Jake Arrieta, David Price, and Max Scherzer, as well as position players Kris Bryant, Jonathan Lucroy, and Buster Posey.

The United States will be managed in the 2017 WBC by Jim Leyland, and will face Canada, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic in Pool C this coming March.