Relief pitchers Garrett Cleavinger and Griffin Jax from the Tampa Bay Rays have been selected for Team USA in the upcoming 2026 World Baseball Classic. This addition strengthens the American squad's bullpen alongside other MLB stars. The Rays will also be represented by third baseman Junior Caminero on the Dominican Republic team.
The 2026 World Baseball Classic is set to begin on March 5, offering a global showcase of baseball talent with a 20-team field. Team USA, managed by Mark DeRosa, aims to build on its runner-up finish from the 2023 tournament by assembling a roster featuring prominent Major League Baseball players. Recent announcements have bolstered the pitching staff, including the addition of two Tampa Bay Rays relievers: Garrett Cleavinger and Griffin Jax.
Cleavinger, originally drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the third round of the 2015 MLB Draft, has had a winding career path. He debuted with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2020 before trades took him to the Los Angeles Dodgers and eventually to the Rays in exchange for German Tapia. In 163 appearances over 152 innings, Cleavinger maintains a 2.96 ERA with 192 strikeouts. His 2025 season was his strongest yet, earning 1.9 bWAR and highlighting his reliability in the bullpen.
Jax joined the Rays from the Minnesota Twins ahead of the 2025 trade deadline. In his debut with Tampa Bay across 23 appearances and 20 innings, he posted a 3.60 ERA and 27 strikeouts. Despite an overall 2025 ERA of 4.23, his 2.51 FIP suggests underlying promise and some misfortune. With Rays closer Pete Fairbanks entering free agency, Jax is poised to contribute in late innings.
The Rays' involvement extends beyond Team USA, as promising third baseman Junior Caminero will share the hot corner for the Dominican Republic with Cleveland Guardians star Jose Ramirez. Other confirmed Team USA pitchers include Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers, Joe Ryan of the Minnesota Twins, Clay Holmes of the New York Yankees, Nolan McLean of the New York Mets, and Mason Miller of the San Diego Padres. Rosters remain subject to changes due to injuries or availability.
This international commitment underscores the Rays' rising talent pool, despite their 77-win 2025 season, positioning them for future success both domestically and globally.
