Team USA Sets Its World Baseball Classic Pitching Rotation

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Mar 3, 2026 11:28 AM ET

A loaded pitching staff makes Team USA a top contender in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

The U.S. didn't recruit many aces when finishing second to Japan in 2023, but some premier hurlers will represent Team USA this time. Manager Mark DeRosa set the rotation for the nation's four pool games.

Logan Webb will start Friday's first game against Brazil at Houston's Daikin Park. Back-to-back American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal will take the rubber on Saturday versus Great Britain in his only WBC start.

Pittsburgh Pirates phenom Paul Skenes will start against Mexico on Monday. Nolan McLean is currently scheduled to start against Italy next Tuesday, but the New York Mets rookie hasn't reported to the team yet.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters that McLean has experienced vertigo-like symptoms. He'll join Team USA if Wednesday's back-field pitching session goes well.

Team USA's stacked rotation

Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal celebrates striking out Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh in the sixth inning of ALDS Game 5 at T-Mobile Park in Seattle on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025.© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Three years ago, Team USA relied on a rotation led by workhorse veterans Lance Lynn, Adam Wainwright, and Merrill Kelly. They have significantly more pitching firepower in 2026, with both reigning Cy Young winners joining the cause.

Skubal followed a 2.39 ERA in 2024 by delivering a 2.21 ERA and 241 strikeouts last season. However, the star southpaw will make one appearance in pool play before returning to the Detroit Tigers for spring training.

Team USA could get another outing from Skenes, who authored a 1.97 ERA last season. The 23-year-old will oppose a Mexico squad featuring prominent big leaguers such as Randy Arozarena, Jarren Duran, Jonathan Aranda, and Alejandro Kirk.

Webb's inclusion may not be as exciting as Skubal and Skenes, but the right-hander has earned a 3.22 ERA in an MLB-high 820 innings over the last four seasons. Zack Wheeler is the only starting pitcher with a higher WAR during that span.

McLean earned a WBC starting assignment after last year's dazzling debut. Promoted in August to help a floundering Mets rotation, the 24-year-old registered a 2.06 ERA and 57 strikeouts in eight dominant starts.

If McLean isn't ready by next week, Team USA could instead turn to Michael Wacha, Matthew Boyd, Clay Holmes, or even the momentarily unretired Clayton Kershaw. Joe Ryan won't pitch in pool play due to back inflammation, but the Minnesota Twins ace could join Team USA if they advance to the knockout stage.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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