The United States’ World Baseball Classic squad for the 2023 tournament has added a familiar face: Tarik Skubal, the two-time American League Cy Young Award winner from the Detroit Tigers. Skubal’s inclusion brings a veteran arm to a roster that already features reigning National League Cy Young winner Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Pitching Depth
Skubal’s arrival follows the addition of All-Star relievers Mason Miller of the San Diego Padres and David Bednar of the New York Yankees, both of whom have been named to the U.S. roster for the March 5-17 competition. The pitching staff also contains Clay Holmes and Nolan McLean of the New York Mets, and Joe Ryan of the Minnesota Twins. Bednar and fellow pitcher Williams return from the 2023 U.S. roster, adding continuity to the rotation.
In addition, the squad lists Matthew Boyd of the Chicago Cubs and Garrett Whitlock of the Boston Red Sox as selected pitchers. The United States carried 15 pitchers on its 30-man roster, meeting the league’s minimum requirement of 14.
Position-Player Lineup
The U.S. lineup is rounded out by catchers Cal Raleigh and Will Smith, infielders Gunnar Henderson, Brice Turang and Bobby Witt Jr., outfielders Corbin Carroll, Pete Crow-Armstrong and Aaron Judge, and designated hitter Kyle Schwarber. These players were chosen to balance offense and defense for the international tournament.
Roster Rules and Pitching Restrictions
The 2023 World Baseball Classic imposed specific limits on pitcher usage. A pitcher could throw a maximum of 65 pitches in the first round, 80 in the quarterfinals, and 95 in the championship round, with an exception allowing them to finish a plate appearance if they exceeded the limit. Rest days were also mandatory: four days after throwing 50 pitches and one day after 30 pitches. No pitcher could appear in three consecutive days.
These restrictions underscore why the U.S. team emphasized depth in its pitching roster, ensuring that arm fatigue would not jeopardize performance in later stages of the tournament.
Tournament Highlights
The United States competed from March 5 to March 17, with Japan ultimately winning the championship game 3-2. Notably, the U.S. staff did not include any pitchers who received 2022 Cy Young votes, a contrast to the 2023 roster that features several Cy Young award recipients.
Key Takeaways
- Tarik Skubal, a two-time AL Cy Young winner, has joined the U.S. roster for the World Baseball Classic.
- The pitching lineup also features Paul Skenes, Mason Miller, David Bednar, Clay Holmes, Nolan McLean, Joe Ryan, Matthew Boyd, and Garrett Whitlock.
- The U.S. roster includes 15 pitchers, meeting the league’s minimum of 14, and incorporates strict pitch-count limits and mandatory rest days.
The United States’ strategy for the World Baseball Classic combines seasoned talent with roster depth, aiming to navigate the tournament’s stringent pitching regulations and compete against top international teams.
Closing
As the World Baseball Classic unfolds, the U.S. team’s blend of veteran experience and strategic depth will be tested against the world’s best. With a roster that balances star power and compliance with the tournament’s pitching rules, the United States is positioned to make a strong showing on the international stage.
