United States Bolsters Pitching for the 2026 World Baseball Classic
The United States selection continues to strengthen its squad for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, announcing the incorporation of three outstanding Major League pitchers: Tarik Skubal, Mason Miller, and David Bednar.
This Thursday, the three pitchers confirmed their commitment to Team USA, which seeks to build a top-tier pitching staff with the aim of conquering the tournament.
With these additions, the United States will have both winners of the 2025 Cy Young Award in its starting rotation: Skubal, American League monarch with the Detroit Tigers, and Paul Skenes, who won the award in the National League with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Skubal arrives after an outstanding season in 2025, where he recorded a 13-6 record, an ERA of 2.21, and accumulated 241 strikeouts. The lefty has established himself as one of the most dominant arms in baseball in the last two years.A High-Voltage Bullpen
The American bullpen is also strengthened with the inclusion of Mason Miller, considered one of the most intimidating closers in MLB. In the 2025 campaign, the right-hander recorded an ERA of 2.63 in 60 appearances, with 104 strikeouts in 61.2 innings. His fastball averaged 101.2 miles per hour, being the only pitcher in Major League Baseball to exceed 104 mph during the season.
David Bednar joins this group, becoming a key piece of the Yankees’ bullpen after arriving from the Pirates at the 2025 Trade Deadline. In five postseason appearances, Bednar posted an ERA of 1.50, providing experience and solidity in high-pressure scenarios.A Team Full of Stars
In addition to the stellar pitching, the United States lineup for the 2026 Classic will feature top-tier figures, led by captain Aaron Judge, along with Bobby Witt Jr. and Cal Raleigh, among other prominent names.
United States, champion of the World Baseball Classic in 2017, will seek to regain the title after finishing as runner-up in the 2023 edition.
Team USA’s debut in the 2026 World Baseball Classic will be on March 6, when they face Brazil at 8:00 PM (ET) at Daikin Park in Houston, within Group B.
