USA Baseball Faces Venezuela in WBC Championship

Team USA's lineup and starting pitcher revealed for title game showdown

Mar. 17, 2026 at 9:20am

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The United States has advanced to the 2026 World Baseball Classic championship game, where they will face off against Venezuela. Team USA is expected to start pitcher Nolan McLean, a New York Mets prospect, though manager Mark DeRosa may have a short leash on him given McLean's struggles in pool play. The U.S. lineup features a star-studded group of players, including Bobby Witt Jr., Bryce Harper, Aaron Judge, and Kyle Schwarber, but the team has yet to fully click offensively in the tournament so far.

Why it matters

The World Baseball Classic championship represents a major opportunity for the United States to capture the title on the international stage. Team USA has a talented roster but has faced some challenges in the tournament, making the final matchup against Venezuela a highly anticipated showdown between two of the tournament's top teams.

The details

Nolan McLean, a New York Mets prospect, will get the start for the United States. McLean faced Italy in pool play but struggled, allowing three earned runs in three innings. Manager Mark DeRosa will be closely monitoring McLean's performance and may turn to the bullpen sooner rather than later if the young pitcher falters. The U.S. lineup features several All-Stars, including Bobby Witt Jr., Bryce Harper, Aaron Judge, and Kyle Schwarber, but the team has yet to fully capitalize offensively, scoring just two runs on seven hits in their semifinal win over the Dominican Republic.

  • The World Baseball Classic championship game is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, with first pitch set for 8 p.m. ET.

The players

Nolan McLean

A New York Mets prospect who will start on the mound for the United States in the World Baseball Classic championship game.

Mark DeRosa

The manager of the United States national baseball team, who will be tasked with guiding his star-studded roster to the WBC title.

Bobby Witt Jr.

The talented shortstop for the United States, who went 1-4 with three strikeouts in the semifinal win over the Dominican Republic.

Bryce Harper

The Philadelphia Phillies slugger and one of the key offensive threats in the United States lineup.

Aaron Judge

The New York Yankees outfielder and one of the most dominant power hitters in Major League Baseball.

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What they’re saying

“We must capitalize on the opportunity we have in the championship game. The lineup has the talent to break out, but we need to execute better at the plate.”

— Mark DeRosa, Manager, United States national baseball team

What’s next

The United States will look to make adjustments to their lineup and pitching strategy ahead of the championship game against Venezuela, which is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17 at 8 p.m. ET.

The takeaway

The World Baseball Classic final represents a chance for the star-studded United States roster to come together and capture the championship on the international stage. However, the team will need to find more offensive production and better pitching performances if they hope to defeat a tough Venezuela squad and bring home the title.