Red Sox Pitcher Joins USA’s 2026 World Baseball Classic Team
At least one member of the Boston Red Sox will represent the United States in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Garrett Whitlock announced his commitment to Team USA on Saturday through an Instagram post. His agency, Stadium Ventures, also shared the news.
Whitlock earned the honor after a breakthrough year in Boston. After undergoing Tommy John surgery in May 2024, he returned to register a 2.25 ERA in 72 innings.
The former starting pitcher emerged as Boston’s primary setup man to All-Star closer Aroldis Chapman. Whitlock got stronger as the season progressed, allowing one earned run in 27 appearances after the All-Star break despite dealing with a calf injury.
Whitlock went all of September without yielding a walk or run, amassing 14 strikeouts in 9 1/3 innings. The 29-year-old finished the season with a career-high 91 punchouts and the third-highest fWAR among all relief pitchers behind Chapman and Cade Smith.
The right-hander, unfortunately, didn’t end the campaign on a high note. A 14-game scoreless streak ended when he ceded three hits, two walks and a tie-breaking run in a Wild Card Series playoff loss to the New York Yankees.
Whitlock should nevertheless return as Boston’s eighth-inning option in 2026. He’ll first look to steer the U.S. to its second World Baseball Classic title.
Team USA is quickly building a stacked roster for the spring tournament. Aaron Judge, Cal Raleigh, Bobby Witt Jr. and Paul Skenes headline the players who have committed to play in the WBC.