Overview
- Whitlock announced on social media that he will pitch for the United States in the World Baseball Classic.
- The 29-year-old posted a 2.25 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 91 strikeouts in 72 innings in 2025, serving as Alex Cora’s primary setup man.
- He joins a growing group of committed stars that includes Aaron Judge, Paul Skenes, Cal Raleigh, Bobby Witt Jr., Corbin Carroll and Pete Crow-Armstrong.
- Team USA, managed by Mark DeRosa, opens its WBC schedule on March 6 in Houston.
- Coverage projects Whitlock for a high-leverage, potentially multi-inning bullpen role, a fit with relievers’ quicker spring ramp-up compared with starters.