When Team USA announced its 2023 World Baseball Classic roster, there was confusion about why some of the top arms in Major League Baseball were absent.
Notably, the most accomplished starting pitchers on the 2023 club were veterans Clayton Kershaw and Adam Wainwright, but the star power was not in full force. Lance Lynn, who retired from baseball this April, and Merrill Kelly were also members of the squad.
Team USA lacked a true ace, and although the rotation performed well enough to help lead them to the title game against Samurai Japan, it appears that manager Mark DeRosa and his staff shouldn’t have an issue recruiting top-notch hurlers. Or any position on the field, for that matter.
“Team USA officials are getting flooded with requests from players and their agents to play in the 2026 World Baseball Classic,” USA Today’s Bob Nightengale wrote this past Sunday. “The biggest problem won’t be getting the star players, rather which players will be left off the roster. Kansas City Royals All-Star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. has shown a deep desire to return after playing in 2023.”
Nightengale’s report is a problem DeRosa likely does not mind having. Having that many players already showing interest demonstrates the growth of the WBC in itself.
One of the leading National League Cy Young Award candidates, Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes, has committed to playing for Team USA in 2026. So has New York Yankees superstar Aaron Judge, who will captain the squad.
As for the bullpen, only Devin Williams and Jason Adam are the two arms from the 2023 team who have a semi-realistic chance of returning next March.
Otherwise, here’s what the rest of the 2023 relievers are up to currently: RHP Daniel Bard (Free Agent), RHP David Bednar (Optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis by Pirates on April 1 and recalled on April 19), RHP Kendall Graveman (Arizona Diamondbacks), RHP Adam Ottavino (Free Agent), RHP Ryan Pressly (4.95 ERA and 4.5 K/9 in 22 games with Chicago Cubs), and LHP Brooks Raley (On New York Mets’ 60-day IL after Tommy John Surgery).
Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer identified Tarik Skubal, Hunter Greene, and Garrett Crochet, among others, as suitable options for Team USA’s starting rotation. Rymer listed Mason Miller, Tanner Scott, and Hunter Gaddis as a few of his top bullpen options.
Naturally, a few of MLB’s top players are to be left off Team USA’s roster for the 2026 WBC. There are only a limited number of spots available. Based on Nightengale’s report and the players’ desire to represent their country on the field, the roster could be significantly stronger than last edition’s on paper, especially the pitching staff.
Photo: New York Yankees pitcher Devin Williams reacts during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Yankee Stadium, Thursday, March 27, 2025, in New York. Williams could pitch for Team USA at the 2026 World Baseball Classic. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
