Team USA gets commitment from two-time Cy Young winner, flame-throwing closer for 2026 World Baseball Classic

The 2026 World Baseball Classic has the potential to be the greatest in the history of the event. The pitching staff for Team USA was already loaded prior to an announcement Thursday of two flame-throwers committing for the event.

Tarik Skubal and Mason Miller are in

Two of the game's hardest throwing pitchers announced their commitments as Detroit Tigers ace and back-to-back AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal and San Diego Padres closer Mason Miller announced they'd be joining the roster.

Neither Skubal nor Miller have competed in the event before. There is a reason that Skubal and Miller are arguably the best at their positions, and that has to do with the unreal velocity the two showcase.

Velocity rankings

Skubal's 97.4 mph average fastball velocity ranks him in the 91st percentile according to Statcast. Watching him, though, it is evident that it is an easy 97-mph and he can reach back for those extra few ticks whenever he needs.

As for Miller, he is literally the hardest throwing pitcher in the game. His fastball averages 101.2 mph, yes, that is the AVERAGE. Miller routinely reaches back and gets 103 or 104 mph whenever it is needed in a big moment. He could very well be considered the best closer in MLB.