In past World Baseball Classics, the United States often struggled to recruit top-tier starting pitchers capable of dominating on the international stage. That dynamic is shifting dramatically for the 2026 tournament, as Team USA’s pitching roster now includes some of the most formidable arms in Major League Baseball, centered around ace right-hander Paul Skenes. The inclusion of such elite talent, including two consecutive Cy Young Award winners, signals a major upgrade to the American pitching staff’s competitiveness.
Team USA manager Mark DeRosa has announced the pitching rotation for pool play, with innings carefully allocated amid MLB’s upcoming season, creating some uncertainty about how extensively these star pitchers will be utilized. Still, the 2026 roster promises a significant pitching advantage as the United States looks to contend for the WBC title.
Projected Starting Rotation for Team USA
DeRosa’s opening rotation for the 2026 World Baseball Classic features a blend of established veterans and rising stars, beginning with left-hander Logan Webb who will face Brazil in the tournament opener on March 6. Webb, a three-time leader in MLB innings pitched and the strikeout leader in 2025, provides a durable and dependable presence to kick off the tournament.
The rotation continues with Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, tasked with a single start against Great Britain on March 7. Skubal has confirmed he will only pitch once in the WBC as he balances Team USA duties with his preparation for Opening Day, underscoring the tension pitchers face between national pride and MLB commitments.
I’m trying to do both things — trying to pitch for Team USA, but I understand the need to be here with these guys [Tigers] and get ready for the season,
Skubal said at spring training.
I think it’s kind of the best of both worlds in that aspect, and I’m grateful they took me in that capacity.
— Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers ace
Following Skubal’s appearance, the spotlight shifts to right-hander Paul Skenes, who will start against Mexico on March 9. Although the exact workload for Skenes has not been publicly outlined, his presence alongside Skubal forms one of the most formidable pitching tandems the WBC has seen. The series continues with New York Mets right-hander Nolan McLean, slated to start against Italy on March 10, although his availability is uncertain due to an ongoing illness.
With Minnesota Twins’ Joe Ryan sidelined because of a back injury, left-hander Matthew Boyd is expected to add depth. Boyd delivered a strong 2025 season with a 3.21 ERA and 154 strikeouts, marking his best performance since 2019. He could see action as a starter or reliever, particularly if Skenes is limited in innings.
The rotation also has flexibility for innings-eating veterans like Clayton Kershaw, who, although recently retired, remains on the roster and could provide bullpen innings if necessary. Younger Mets arms Nolan McLean and Clay Holmes offer additional depth, ready to contribute either as starters or in relief.
Team USA Bullpen Strength and Versatility
Team USA’s bullpen boasts some of the finest relief pitchers in MLB, led by San Diego Padres closer Mason Miller, known for his blazing fastball and reliable ninth-inning presence. Alongside Miller, right-handers David Bednar, Griffin Jax, Brad Keller, Garrett Whitlock, Nolan McLean, Clay Holmes, and Michael Wacha provide a robust mix of experience and talent.
Bednar rebounded with the New York Yankees last season after years away from peak form, while Jax and Keller posted solid ERAs with significant strikeout totals during the 2025 campaign. Whitlock also contributed effectively out of the Boston Red Sox bullpen, underpinning the depth available to DeRosa.
Left-handed relievers Garrett Cleavinger, Gabe Speier, and Ryan Yarbrough offer vital southpaw options, critical for matchups and late-game scenarios. DeRosa’s strategy could see some starters, such as McLean, Holmes, Kershaw, and Wacha, deployed from the bullpen, enhancing the team’s ability to adapt as the tournament progresses.
Balancing Pitching Usage Amid MLB Season Demands
While the quality of Team USA’s pitching corps is clear, how much usage top starters like Skenes and Skubal will receive remains a key question heading into the WBC. Pitch counts and innings will be carefully managed due to the proximity of MLB’s Opening Day, with many pitchers facing strict limits imposed by their professional teams to protect health and longevity.
Manager Mark DeRosa acknowledged the challenges after the team’s first workout, noting the constraints on pitch counts and scheduling.
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
Such restrictions mean Team USA will need to rely on the depth and flexibility of their pitching staff to maintain consistency throughout the tournament, heightening the importance of DeRosa’s tactical decisions and bullpen management.
Implications of an Elite Pitching Staff for Team USA’s WBC Aspirations
The assembly of a pitching rotation led by Paul Skenes and accompanied by fellow Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal represents a significant opportunity for Team USA to correct past shortcomings and vie for the 2026 World Baseball Classic title. With strong starting and relief options, the Americans can potentially dominate on the mound and suppress opposing lineups.
However, the uncertainty surrounding pitch limits and player availability injects a degree of anxiety about how far the team can leverage its pitching advantage. The decisions made in managing innings, particularly for star pitchers balancing MLB season preparation, will be crucial in shaping the United States’ success in the tournament.
If Team USA’s rotation and bullpen perform as hoped and DeRosa navigates the limitations effectively, the 2026 WBC could mark a new era in American international baseball dominance, anchored by the talents of Paul Skenes, Logan Webb, and the rest of the pitching staff.
Tarik Skubal is scheduled to throw 55 pitches against Great Britain in the World Baseball Classic and then return back to Detroit Tigers Spring Training, per @BNightengale pic.twitter.com/UKYpjTxbTR
— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) March 2, 2026
https://twitter.com/USABaseball/status/2019563501656895575
