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Team USA Adds Cubs Lefty Matthew Boyd for 2026 World Baseball Classic

The veteran left-hander arrives to bolster a thin rotation behind ace Paul Skenes.

Overview

  • Boyd announced his commitment on the Foul Territory podcast after a recruiting call from manager Mark DeRosa.
  • Coming off his first All-Star season, Boyd went 14–8 with a 3.21 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP across 179 2/3 innings in 2025.
  • He is expected to join a rotation led by 2025 NL Cy Young winner Paul Skenes, with reports also pointing to Garrett Whitlock.
  • The addition addresses concerns about Team USA’s limited starting depth beyond Skenes.
  • This will be Boyd’s first WBC, and Team USA opens Pool B against Brazil in Houston on March 6 with stars Aaron Judge, Cal Raleigh, Bobby Witt Jr. and Corbin Carroll already committed.