Team USA Updates World Baseball Classic Roster Ahead of Quarterfinals

Team USA is juggling its pitching staff again as it gears up for a World Baseball Classic quarterfinal against Canada. These changes aren’t unusual—teams often tweak the roster when moving from pool play to win-or-go-home games.

The U.S. wants to bolster its bullpen and set up the best matchups against a Canadian lineup that can really make you sweat in the late innings. Let’s take a look at who’s out, who’s in, and how these moves might shape Team USA’s path toward the championship.

Table of Contents

Key moves before the quarterfinal vs Canada

Team USA dropped three pitchers from the roster after pool play and added three relievers with proven value in tight spots. The idea? Keep the bullpen fresh and give the manager more late-inning options to limit the damage when Canada gets something going.

Outs from the active roster

Tarik Skubal — Usually a starter, Skubal is off the active roster as the U.S. narrows its rotation and relief plans for the knockout round.

Michael Wacha — He pitched out of the bullpen during pool play but won’t be available for the quarterfinal.

Ryan Yarbrough — Another reliever who helped in pool play, but he’s not on the roster for the Canada game.

New bullpen additions

Will Vest (Tigers) — At 30, Vest posted a 3.01 ERA, struck out 75, and walked 21 over 68 2/3 innings in 2025. He’s been reliable the last couple of seasons too.

Tyler Rogers (Blue Jays) — Rogers, 35, led MLB with 81 appearances last season. He had a 1.98 ERA, 48 strikeouts, just seven walks in 77 1/3 innings, and a ground-ball rate that’s among the best in baseball.

Tim Hill (Yankees) — The lefty put up a 3.09 ERA in 67 innings in 2025. He’s got a knack for ground balls and has been tough on left-handed hitters, holding them to a .444 OPS.

Spring training remains a factor; other arms to keep an eye on

There are a couple of bullpen vets who could jump back in as the U.S. keeps tweaking its long-relief and middle-relief options. The back end isn’t the only thing in flux. The team’s still figuring out how soon these other arms might be ready to help if they advance.

Returning arms and potential retooling

Clay Holmes (Mets) and Matthew Boyd (Cubs) — Both pitched out of the bullpen and will head back to spring training to keep building up. They could impact bullpen depth in later rounds.

Clayton Kershaw — Now retired, Kershaw will be replaced after the quarterfinals. That creates a hole in the rotation if the U.S. moves forward.

Joe Ryan (Twins) — Initially out with a back issue, he’s reportedly in the mix to rejoin the roster as a bullpen option once he’s cleared.

Key starts and potential semifinal planning

Logan Webb (Giants) gets the start against Canada, so the U.S. has its plan set for the quarterfinal. Depending on how things go, the roster hints at how the team might handle pitching in the semifinals and beyond.

Projected starters for the next rounds

If the United States moves on to the semifinal, Paul Skenes (Pirates)—the 2025 Cy Young winner—looks like the likely choice to anchor the rotation in that game.

If Team USA makes the March 17 final, other possible starters could be Joe Ryan or Nolan McLean (Mets), according to MLB Network. That would show a clear focus on high-leverage arms with elite control and a knack for getting ground balls.

Here is the source article for this story: Team USA makes roster changes ahead of World Baseball Classic quarterfinals

Experience Baseball History in Person

Want to walk the same grounds where baseball legends made history? Find accommodations near iconic ballparks across America and create your own baseball pilgrimage.

Check availability at hotels near: Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Dodger Stadium

Plan your ballpark visit: Get MLB Ballpark Tickets and find accommodations nearby.

Additional Reading: