Manager Mark DeRosa announced Team USA's starting rotation for the 2026 World Baseball Classic on Monday. Logan Webb, Tarik Skubal, Paul Skenes and Nolan McLean will start the first four pool games in that order. The lineup features multiple Cy Young winners as the team aims to win the tournament for the first time since 2017.
In Phoenix, Team USA manager Mark DeRosa revealed the rotation for Pool B play at Daikin Park in Houston. Logan Webb is scheduled to start against Brazil on Friday, March 6. Tarik Skubal will pitch against Great Britain on Saturday, March 7, marking his only appearance before returning to Detroit Tigers camp as an impending free agent. Paul Skenes follows against Mexico on Monday, March 9, while Nolan McLean is set to face Italy on Tuesday, March 10.
McLean missed the team's first workout at the Giants' player development center in Papago Park due to illness. He remains at the Mets' camp in Port St. Lucie, Florida, for reevaluation. DeRosa noted, “He’s been a little under the weather down at Port St. Lucie. He’s down there right now, and we’ll kind of reassess that day to day.”
The rotation includes three pitchers with Cy Young Awards and six All-Star selections combined. DeRosa praised their commitment, saying, “They change the game for us, no question about it.” He described recruitment efforts, including regular check-ins with Skubal and Skenes' enthusiasm.
Skubal's participation, despite his contract situation, drew praise from captain Aaron Judge. “It speaks volumes, definitely, because of what’s ahead of him,” Judge said. “This guy is about to make half a billion dollars here in the next offseason. For him to put it all on the line for his country... it means a lot.” Skenes and Webb plan to remain for the full tournament.
Pool B runs March 6-11, with the top two teams advancing. The World Baseball Classic begins March 3 and concludes March 17, broadcast on FOX networks and TUBI.
