USA WBC Exec Wants Dream Team, Reveals Target for Final Roster Spots and Talks with Skenes, Skubal

Just over one month from the start of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, Team USA manager Mark DeRosa opened up about the process of building the roster and how he was able to convince the two Cy Young winners from last season to participate.

In a phone interview with The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, DeRosa explained that part of his pitch to Tarik Skubal was how he wanted to build a "Dream Team" and it was impossible to have the best pitching rotation without him:

"With Tarik, I completely understand the situation he's in (as a potential free agent next offseason). We just slow-played it throughout the year. I told him, I'm trying to build a Dream Team. And if I'm building the best rotation the game has to offer, you're certainly at the top of it. And until I hear you tell me no, I'll just circle back every two months and see where you're at. Andy Pettitte (Team USA pitching coach) was doing the same."

Paul Skenes, the 2025 NL Cy Young winner, committed to play for the U.S. way back in May.

According to DeRosa, Skenes emphasized during a conversation in April 2025 that he "wanted to be surrounded by guys he could learn from" who might help him get even better.

Skubal was a late addition to the roster, committing on Dec. 18. Team USA general manager Michael Hill told MLB.com's Jason Beck that they visited with the Detroit Tigers ace at the league's award ceremony in Las Vegas on Nov. 13 and put together a pitch for him:

"We've been honest that it's an honor to put the red, white and blue across your chest. Like, how many times as a player do you get that opportunity? And I think that's what we really tried to impress upon every player that we're talking to. It's an honor to don that uniform. We're hopeful that America's best want to be a part of that, because it's a special tournament, and we want our best to help us complete the job."

DeRosa went on to say that they still need to fill spots for one more position player and pitcher. He told Rosenthal he "had my eye on" Cody Bellinger as the last position player, but things didn't work out because of his protracted free agency before signing a new deal with the New York Yankees.

Bellinger's primary appeal was due to his versatility as someone who could play all three outfield spots or first base. Since that is off the table, DeRosa has J.T. Realmuto or Trea Turner as potential options.

The problem for both of them, though, would be a lack of playing time. Cal Raleigh and Will Smith are the top two catchers on the roster, and DeRosa pointed out the WBC rules don't "warrant having three catchers."

Bobby Witt Jr. and Gunnar Henderson are already on the roster as shortstops, plus Ernie Clement is a utilityman who can handle any spot on the infield.

The final 30-man rosters for all clubs in the WBC must be submitted by Feb. 3. The tournament begins on March 5, with the championship game scheduled for March 17 at LoanDepot Park in Miami.

Team USA will open pool play against Brazil on March 6. The other countries in Pool B with the United States are Mexico, Italy and Great Britain.

The Americans have only won the WBC once since its inception in 2006. Japan is the defending champion, having defeated the U.S. in the instant-classic championship matchup in 2023 that ended with Shohei Ohtani striking out Mike Trout.