USA adds Skubal, Miller, Bednar to WBC roster
The United States added pitchers Tarik Skubal, Mason Miller, and David Bednar to its 2026 World Baseball Classic roster Thursday.
Skubal has won back-to-back American League Cy Young Awards as the ace of the Detroit Tigers. He was 13-6 in 2025 with a 2.21 ERA, 241 strikeouts, and 0.89 WHIP.
The 29-year-old is a two-time All-Star and has been integral in helping Detroit reach the playoffs the past two campaigns. Trade rumors have surrounded Skubal this offseason as he and the Tigers are reportedly far apart in negotiations on a contract extension.
Skubal joins an American starting rotation that already features National League Cy Young winner Paul Skenes, Minnesota Twins ace Joe Ryan, Chicago Cubs All-Star Matthew Boyd, and New York Mets right-hander Nolan McLean.
Miller is one of MLB's most dominant relievers. The Athletics traded him to the San Diego Padres this past season. Between the two clubs, Miller racked up 104 strikeouts in 60 appearances along with a 2.63 ERA.
Bednar, a two-time All-Star, authored a combined 2.30 ERA with 27 saves and a career-high 12.4 K/9 in 64 appearances between the New York Yankees and Pittsburgh Pirates in 2025. The 31-year-old is the only pitcher so far returning from the 2023 roster that lost to Japan in the final.
The United States will field a star-studded team for March's international event. Aaron Judge, Bobby Witt Jr., Cal Raleigh, and Kyle Schwarber are among the position players already named to the roster.