Logan Webb named Team USA starter for World Baseball Classic opener. [Image Source: MYMOTHERLODE]
Team USA manager Mark DeRosa has confirmed San Francisco Giants ace Logan Webb will start the opening game of the 2024 World Baseball Classic against Brazil this Friday at Daikin Park in Houston. This selection positions Webb as the leading figure for a pitching staff considered among the most talented ever assembled for the Americans in the tournament’s history.
DeRosa released the full four-game starting rotation following the team’s first workout on Monday in Scottsdale, Arizona, setting a clear pitching strategy for the early stages of the competition.
Elite Pitching Lineup Reflects Team USA’s Strength and Depth
Joining Webb are two standout Cy Young Award winners: Tarik Skubal, a two-time American League recipient, will start against Great Britain on Saturday, followed by National League Cy Young winner Paul Skenes, who is set to pitch versus Mexico on March 9. Closing the rotation, New York Mets right-hander Nolan McLean will take the mound against Italy on March 10.
After the initial practice, DeRosa commented on managing pitchers carefully:
“Yeah, it’s set up. There’s obviously guardrails for the tournament pitch count-wise, but there’s also guardrails for guys having to throw on certain days to get ready for their team’s Opening Day.”
—Mark DeRosa, Team USA Manager
This cautious approach reflects DeRosa’s dual focus on tournament success and preparing pitchers for their respective Major League Baseball seasons.
Commitment and Team Chemistry Shape the Roster
The rotation’s star power underlines unprecedented firepower, with Webb, Skubal, and Skenes collectively bringing three Cy Young Awards and six All-Star appearances to the mound. This group forms the strongest starting staff Team USA has ever fielded at the World Baseball Classic. DeRosa emphasized selecting players passionate about representing their country:
Image of: Logan Webb
“First off, you want the guys who want to be in the room. If you get them on the phone and they’re kind of wanting to walk through everything and have their schedule laid out for them, this is not the tournament for them.”
—Mark DeRosa, Team USA Manager
The manager shared that each pitcher’s journey to the national team varied, with Skenes quickly agreeing to join, Skubal requiring months of dialogue, and Webb only becoming available after contract discussions concluded following the 2023 tournament.
Preparation and Team Spirit Ahead of Tournament Kickoff
Team USA captain Aaron Judge addressed the group during a team dinner on Sunday, inspiring players with his vision of the roster as akin to a field of dreams. In advance of flying to Houston, the Americans will play exhibition games against the San Francisco Giants and Colorado Rockies, allowing the team to build chemistry on the field.
However, starters’ health will be closely monitored; Mets pitcher Nolan McLean is currently dealing with illness at the Port St. Lucie training facility. DeRosa stated they will evaluate McLean’s condition daily and adjust the pitching plans if necessary.
Team USA enters the 2024 World Baseball Classic motivated to avenge their 2023 finals defeat to Japan, aiming to capture their first championship since 2017. With Logan Webb leading the rotation, the Americans are well positioned to contend seriously for baseball’s international title.
Pool play begins Friday night with Webb pitching against Brazil, kicking off what could be a memorable campaign for the United States on the global baseball stage.
