The United States has powered its way to the 2026 World Baseball Classic championship, showcasing resilience and skill. Team USA went 3-1 in pool play, securing crucial victories over Canada and the Dominican Republic to earn their spot in the finale.
Facing off against Venezuela on Tuesday, March 17, with the first pitch at 8 p.m. ET, Team USA is set to start New York Mets prospect Nolan McLean.
McLean had a rocky outing against Italy in pool play, surrendering three earned runs over three innings, and took the loss. The key question for manager Mark DeRosa will be how long McLean stays on the mound before the bullpen, which has been stellar, steps in.
DeRosa's challenge is not just on the mound. His lineup against the Dominican Republic managed only two runs on seven hits. Despite a roster brimming with All-Stars, there's pressure to tweak the lineup to maximize the team's chances in the championship.
Here's how Team USA lined up in their semifinal victory over the Dominican Republic:
- Bobby Witt Jr.
(SS) 2.
Bryce Harper (1B) 3.
Aaron Judge (RF) 4.
Kyle Schwarber (DH) 5.
Gunnar Henderson (3B) 6.
Will Smith (C) 7.
Roman Anthony (LF) 8.
Brice Turang (2B) 9.
Pete Crow-Armstrong (CF)
The U.S. eked out a one-run win, with no player tallying more than one hit. Henderson and Anthony each contributed solo homers, but DeRosa might shuffle the order for the final.
Witt struck out three times in the leadoff spot, while Turang and Crow-Armstrong also struggled at the plate. Expect potential changes, with Ernie Clement or Byron Buxton possibly stepping in.
On the mound, DeRosa confirmed McLean as the starter after the Dominican Republic game. While a change is still possible, McLean is expected to lead the charge, with the bullpen ready to back him up.
Venezuela counters with Eduardo Rodriguez, the Arizona Diamondbacks lefty. In his previous WBC outing against the Dominican Republic, Rodriguez allowed three earned runs over three innings, giving up two homers but striking out five.
Team USA's roster is packed with talent across the board:
Pitchers:
- David Bednar (Yankees)
- Matthew Boyd* (Cubs)
- Garrett Cleavinger (Rays)
- Jeff Hoffman (Blue Jays)
- Clay Holmes (Mets)
- Griffin Jax (Rays)
- Brad Keller (Phillies)
- Clayton Kershaw*
- Nolan McLean (Mets)
- Mason Miller (Padres)
- Paul Skenes (Pirates)
- Tarik Skubal* (Tigers)
- Gabe Speier (Mariners)
- Ryan Yarbrough* (Yankees)
- Michael Wacha* (Royals)
- Logan Webb (Giants)
- Garrett Whitlock (Red Sox)
- Tyler Rogers (Blue Jays)
- Tim Hill (Yankees)
- Will Vest (Tigers)
Catchers:
- Cal Raleigh (Mariners)
- Will Smith (Dodgers)
Infielders:
- Alex Bregman (Cubs)
- Ernie Clement (Blue Jays)
- Paul Goldschmidt (Yankees)
- Bryce Harper (Phillies)
- Gunnar Henderson (Orioles)
- Brice Turang (Brewers)
- Bobby Witt Jr.
(Royals)
Outfielders:
- Roman Anthony (Red Sox)
- Byron Buxton (Twins)
- Pete Crow-Armstrong (Cubs)
- Aaron Judge (Yankees)
As the championship game approaches, all eyes are on Team USA to see if they can bring home the title. With a blend of young talent and seasoned veterans, it's shaping up to be an unforgettable showdown.