SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Three years after falling two outs short of a championship, Team USA opened camp Monday at Papago Sports Complex with a different feel.
This isn’t just another All-Star collection. This is intentional.
“I didn’t want to just throw an All-Star team together,” manager Mark DeRosa said. “I wanted to build a true team — one where the other countries look at it and see no weakness.”
That message echoed throughout the first day of workouts as 22 players who were MLB All-Stars last season — representing 65 combined All-Star appearances — took the field under the Arizona sun.
The goal is clear: win the program’s first World Baseball Classic title since 2017
A Different Edge From 2023
The 2023 team reached the championship game before falling 3–2 to Japan in Miami. That loss still lingers.
This version may be deeper — particularly on the mound.
Defending National League Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes and American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal headline a rotation that also includes Logan Webb and Nolan McLean for Pool B play in Houston from March 6–11 at Daikin Park.
According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, Webb is slated to start Game 1, followed by Skubal, Skenes and McLean.
Tigers ace Tarik Skubal to make just 1 start for Team USA in World Baseball Classic
The pitching emphasis marks a shift from 2023, when the United States relied heavily on its offense, which slashed .304/.394/.553 with 51 runs across seven games. The pitching staff posted a 4.20 ERA over 60 innings.
DeRosa spent the past year recruiting arms with purpose.
“You want the guys who want to be in the room,” he said. “If you get them on the phone and they’re walking through every detail, this isn’t the tournament for them.”
Veteran Perspective
Seven-time All-Star Paul Goldschmidt returns for his third WBC and carries the experience of the 2017 championship team.
“Winning in 2017 was an absolute highlight of my career,” Goldschmidt said. “I honestly wasn’t expecting the call this time, so that makes it even sweeter. I told D-Row I’ll do whatever they need — I just want to help us win.”
Goldschmidt understands the unique intensity of the tournament — particularly the one-game elimination rounds.
“It’s so different than a regular season,” he said. “It’s nice to have that experience and know what to expect.”
Youth Meets Star Power
The roster blends established MVP-level talent with emerging stars.
Boston Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony was added after Corbin Carroll suffered a fractured right hamate bone in February.
Anthony, one of the youngest players in camp, immediately embraced the standard.
“I’ve been learning a lot from these guys,” Anthony said. “But at the same time we’re here to win. We’re all on the same page — it’s about finishing this thing as champions.”
