Overview
- Team USA features 22 former MLB All-Stars, the most of any nation, with frontline starters Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal and closer candidate Mason Miller among its arms.
- For the first time in WBC history, all four reigning MVP and Cy Young winners are on rosters: Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal.
- The New York Mets lead all MLB clubs with 17 players named to WBC rosters, followed by the Seattle Mariners with 16 and the Detroit Tigers with 13 total representatives.
- Pool play will be staged in Tokyo, Miami, San Juan and Houston, with the finals in Miami; the U.S. opens in Houston against Great Britain, Mexico, Brazil and Italy.
- Notable updates include James Paxton returning from retirement to pitch for Team Canada and Shohei Ohtani on Japan’s roster but not pitching, as insurance constraints shape some teams’ choices.