Tariq Skubal, a standout pitcher for the Detroit Tigers and a two-time winner of the American League Cy Young Award, was named to Team USA’s roster for the upcoming World Baseball Classic (WBC) on Thursday. Joining him is Logan Webb, the San Francisco Giants’ leading pitcher who has topped baseball innings pitched for three consecutive years. Their inclusion, along with Pittsburgh Pirates’ right-hander Paul Skenes, who was added earlier this winter, gives the U.S. a strong starting rotation. This mix is further strengthened by Minnesota Twins’ righty Joe Ryan, providing coach Mark DeRosa with more quality starting pitching options than he had during Team USA’s runner-up finish in 2023.
Reflecting on the 2023 team’s rotation—featuring Merrill Kelly, Lance Lynn, Adam Wainwright, and Nick Martinez—none matched the caliber of Skubal or Skenes. For 2026, the depth is such that even pitchers like Matthew Boyd, Clay Holmes, and Nolan McLean might be relegated to bullpen roles. Comparing regular-season stats highlights this stark difference; the 2026 rotation boasts a significantly higher strikeout per nine innings (21.8 vs. 7.8) and a lower earned run average (ERA) (2.70 vs. 3.61) than the 2023 group.
These improvements position Team USA well to dominate within the WBC’s pitching limits, making them strong favorites to claim the title, with odds at +130 against competitors like Japan (+300), the Dominican Republic (+450), and Puerto Rico (+950). The sixth edition of the WBC will launch next March, with the U.S. having only won once before, in 2017.
Fan Take: This roster boost signals an exciting new era for Team USA, showcasing a pitching staff capable of challenging the world’s best. For baseball fans, it means a higher level of competition and the potential for the U.S. to reclaim its standing as international champions, adding fresh excitement and pride to the sport.
