Logan Webb Joins Team USA Rotation for 2026 WBC, Eyes Bigger Stage - and Bigger Goals
SAN FRANCISCO - Logan Webb has already built a reputation as one of baseball’s most dependable arms - a strikeout machine with a Gold Glove to his name and a bulldog mentality every time he toes the rubber. But there’s one piece of hardware still on his mind: the Cy Young Award. And as it turns out, his path to that goal might start on an even bigger stage - the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Webb is officially headed to the WBC as part of Team USA’s rotation, joining a star-studded group that includes 2025 Cy Young winners Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal. It’s a loaded trio, and for Webb, it’s an opportunity to not only represent his country but to sharpen his edge heading into what could be a career-defining season.
This move didn’t come without some internal debate. The Giants had to weigh the risk of their ace ramping up earlier than usual in spring, especially given how much he means to their 2026 hopes. But after discussions between the team and USA Baseball, an agreement was reached - and Webb’s in.
Let’s be clear: Webb has earned this shot. Since his breakout in 2021, he’s been as steady as they come.
He doesn’t just eat innings - he dominates them. And now, he’ll get to bring that same energy to Team USA as they look to bounce back from a runner-up finish in 2023.
Skenes was one of the first to lock in for Team USA, and Skubal - fresh off a massive season and with a potential $400 million free agency ahead - was announced Thursday morning. Also joining the staff is Padres flame-thrower Mason Miller, giving Team USA a rotation that’s as electric as it is deep.
The Giants, understandably, had some concerns. Buster Posey, now the club’s president of baseball operations, spoke candidly at the Winter Meetings about the risks that come with pitchers participating in the WBC.
“Look, I got to play in it. It’s a great event,” Posey said. “The way I see it, there’s definitely more risk for a pitcher than a position player.”
But Posey also knows the value of the opportunity. He and Brandon Crawford both suited up for Team USA during their careers, and the precedent is clear: if you’ve earned the call, you take it. And with guys like Skubal - who has a massive payday looming - stepping up to pitch, it’s hard to argue Webb shouldn’t be right there with them.
For Webb, this WBC roster spot isn’t just about pride - it’s about proving he belongs among the game’s elite. And this time, he’ll have the kind of lineup behind him that he’s rarely enjoyed in San Francisco. Team USA’s offense is already stacked, featuring names like Aaron Judge, Cal Raleigh, and Bobby Witt Jr., with more big bats expected to join before the tournament kicks off.
That’s a far cry from the run support Webb’s used to with the Giants, where he’s often had to be nearly perfect just to stay in the win column. In the red, white, and blue, he’ll finally get a little breathing room - and a chance to show what he can do with a cushion.
Team USA opens play on March 6 in Houston against Brazil, and while rosters are still being finalized, the Giants could be well-represented across the board. Outfielder Jung Hoo Lee is expected to play for South Korea, and Heliot Ramos is lined up to join Puerto Rico. Big names like Rafael Devers, Willy Adames, and Matt Chapman are also in the mix for other national squads.
But for now, the spotlight is on Logan Webb - and rightfully so. He’s been one of the most quietly dominant pitchers in the game for years. Now, he’s got a chance to make some noise on the international stage, with the best in the world watching.
And if that Cy Young campaign does take off in 2026, don’t be surprised if it starts with a few dominant innings in March.