The 2026 World Baseball Classic is getting closer, and the United States is starting to finalize its roster for the tournament.
Aaron Judge, Cal Raleigh, Paul Skenes, Bobby Witt Jr., Pete Crow-Armstrong and Corbin Carroll have already committed to the team, and Boston Red Sox reliever Garrett Whitlock is joining them, according to MassLive’s Chris Cotillo.
In 2024, Whitlock pitched in just four games before undergoing a season-ending internal brace procedure for UCL damage. Last season, he pitched in 62 games for the Red Sox, establishing himself as a weapon out of the bullpen. He had a career year, and now he will try to help the United States win its second World Baseball Classic.
Whitlock had a 2.25 ERA across 72 innings of work in the regular season. He notched 91 strikeouts and opponents hit just .206 against him. His sinker, slider and changeup were all great last season, and he could be a great option for Mark DeRosa in the tournament.
According to Baseball Savant, Whitlock was in the 92nd percentile for pitching run value. His chase percentage (35.1%) was in the 97th percentile. His whiff percentage (32.8%) and strikeout percentage (31.1%) were in the 93rd percentile.
He relies heavily on his sinker and slider, throwing those pitches 48% of the time he deals. His sinker averages 95.8 mph, and hitters hit just .212 against it last season. However, most of his strikeouts come on his slider.
Forty-two of his 91 strikeouts came on his elite slider. Opponents posted a .162/.186/.192 against the pitch. Whitlock will give DeRosa a solid right-handed option out of the bullpen. However, Team USA will still need to add help around him. So far, the United States has put together an elite group of players, but there are still spots on the team that need to be filled.
Photo: Garrett Whitlock throws against the Detroit Tigers in the sixth inning during a baseball game, Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
