As we enter 2025, we are just one year away from the sixth edition of the World Baseball Classic. Let’s look at what a potential lineup could look like for the United States.
There could be several options for this team regarding the hot corner. Nolan Arenado will be 35 years old at the start of 2026, and Matt Chapman will be 33. Both players could be featured on the roster, and depending on pitching matchups, they could easily platoon with Gunnar Henderson at third base. It would also be intriguing to see Jackson Merrill, Adley Rustchman, Dylan Crews, and Roman Anthony land spots on the bench.
As for their starting rotation, it would be thrilling to see Paul Skenes don the red, white, and blue in the USA’s opening game of the World Baseball Classic. The first overall pick of the 2023 MLB Draft certainly made a statement in his rookie season, winning the N.L. Rookie of the Year Award, pitching to an 11-3 record, with a 1.96 ERA in 23 starts, striking out 170 batters and walking 32 across 133 innings. Some other pitchers who could join Skenes in USA’s rotation could be Chris Sale, Tarik Skubal, Zack Wheeler, Cole Ragans and Corbin Burnes.
The bullpen will be solid, as Ryan Helsley looks to be the favorite to land the job as closing pitcher. Helsley led the entire MLB in saves in 2024, securing 49 saves in 53 save opportunities. He threw in 65 games this year, going 7-4, with a 2.04 ERA, striking out 79 batters in 66.1 innings pitched. Other candidates that could join Helsley in 2026 could be Kyle Finnegan, Josh Hader, Ben Joyce, Jason Foley and Mason Miller.
The 2026 World Baseball Classic will begin on March 5, and will run until March 17. The United States will be part of Pool B, where they will face Mexico, Italy, and Great Britain. Pool B will be played at Daikin Park, in Houston, Texas.
