The 2026 World Baseball Classic is right around the corner, and Team USA is starting to look like a legitimate powerhouse-especially on the mound. The latest big addition?
Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, who officially committed to the roster on Thursday. And with that, manager Mark DeRosa just got a serious boost to his starting rotation.
Skubal, who’s coming off a dominant season, will team up with Pittsburgh Pirates phenom Paul Skenes to headline Team USA’s rotation. That’s a one-two punch that could go toe-to-toe with any lineup in the tournament. Skubal wasn’t available for the 2023 WBC while recovering from elbow surgery, but now he’s fully healthy-and with free agency looming, this could be a massive stage for him to shine.
Also joining the Team USA rotation is veteran lefty Matthew Boyd, a familiar face to Tigers fans. In the bullpen, San Diego Padres flamethrower Mason Miller and Boston Red Sox reliever Garrett Whitlock have committed as well.
Recruiting for the rest of the bullpen is still underway, but the foundation is already strong. If the staff rounds out the way DeRosa and the front office are hoping, this could be one of the deepest pitching groups Team USA has ever assembled.
The tournament kicks off March 5, with Team USA opening Pool B play against Brazil on March 6 at 8 p.m. ET at Daikin Park in Houston. That’s where the journey begins-but this roster is built with the championship game on March 17 in mind.
Offensively, Team USA has no shortage of firepower. Aaron Judge will wear the captain’s “C” and anchor the lineup, with Kyle Schwarber likely slotted in as the designated hitter.
That potential 3-4 combo brings both thunder and postseason pedigree. In the outfield, Pete Crow-Armstrong brings elite defense and speed in center, while NL Rookie of the Year Corbin Carroll adds even more explosiveness in the corners.
The infield is just as stacked. Bobby Witt Jr. and Gunnar Henderson will hold down the left side, giving Team USA two of the most exciting young stars in the game at shortstop and third base.
And behind the plate? It doesn’t get much better than Will Smith of the Dodgers and Cal Raleigh of the Mariners-two elite game-callers who can also do serious damage with the bat.
Elsewhere in the WBC, Samurai Japan will be looking to defend their title after edging out Team USA in the championship game of the 2023 tournament. That loss still stings, and there’s no doubt this current U.S. squad has its eyes set on redemption.
Meanwhile, the Tigers will be well represented beyond Skubal. Outfielder Riley Greene and shortstop Javier Báez are set to suit up for Team Puerto Rico, adding even more star power to a tournament that’s already shaping up to be loaded with talent.
If the early roster announcements are any indication, the 2026 World Baseball Classic is going to be must-watch baseball. And with Skubal, Skenes, and Judge leading the charge, Team USA isn’t just showing up to compete-they’re coming for the crown.