Team USA Taps Crow-Armstrong as Defensive Anchor as Cubs’ WBC Contingent Could Reach Eight

Team USA’s emphasis on defense comes as final WBC decisions hinge on club clearance or player workloads.

Overview

Manager Mark DeRosa called Pete Crow-Armstrong “the best defender in the game” and cited keeping Aaron Judge in right field and covering Miami’s spacious center as key factors.
Crow-Armstrong and left-hander Matthew Boyd are officially committed to Team USA, bolstering a staff fronted by ace Paul Skenes.
Team Canada GM Greg Hamilton said Cubs prospect Owen Caissie is set to join Canada for a second WBC.
The Cubs could place up to eight players in the tournament, with interest from Mexico, Venezuela, Japan, Canada and Panama reported by local outlets.
Discussions with Mexico’s staff on Javier Assad and Venezuela’s staff on Daniel Palencia remain contingent on Cubs approval, Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga have not announced decisions for Japan, and the WBC runs March 5–17 with pools in Houston, Miami, San Juan and Tokyo.