Tigers' Will Vest Joins Team USA for WBC Quarterfinals

Vest replaces teammate Tarik Skubal on the U.S. roster ahead of the quarterfinal round.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 1:19am

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Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Will Vest has been added to the Team USA roster for the quarterfinal round of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, replacing his teammate Tarik Skubal. Vest, who posted a 3.01 ERA and 75 strikeouts in 68.2 innings for the Tigers last season, will provide the U.S. team with a reliable veteran left-handed bullpen option as they prepare to face Canada in the quarterfinals.

Why it matters

The World Baseball Classic is a prestigious international baseball tournament that features many of the top players from around the world. Vest's addition to the Team USA roster demonstrates his strong performance for the Tigers and the trust the U.S. coaching staff has placed in him to contribute in high-leverage situations.

The details

Skubal had initially agreed to remain with Team USA but ultimately decided to depart the roster. In his place, the U.S. coaching staff has turned to Vest, who will now have the opportunity to represent his country on the global stage. Vest's power arm and experience should provide a boost to the American bullpen as they look to advance past the quarterfinal round.

  • The quarterfinal round of the 2026 World Baseball Classic is scheduled for Friday, March 14, 2026.

The players

Will Vest

A relief pitcher for the Detroit Tigers who posted a 3.01 ERA and 75 strikeouts in 68.2 innings last season.

Tarik Skubal

A starting pitcher for the Detroit Tigers who was originally on the Team USA roster for the World Baseball Classic.

Team USA

The national baseball team representing the United States in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

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What they’re saying

“Vest gives the United States a reliable veteran option who can pitch some high-leverage innings out of the bullpen.”

— Brian Murphy, MLB.com reporter

What’s next

The U.S. team is set to face Canada in the quarterfinal round of the World Baseball Classic on Friday, March 14, 2026.

The takeaway

Will Vest's addition to the Team USA roster for the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals demonstrates his strong performance for the Detroit Tigers and the trust the U.S. coaching staff has placed in him to contribute in high-leverage situations on the global stage.