USA Sends Rookie Nolan McLean to Mound for WBC Final vs. Venezuela

Team USA looks to capture second WBC title against motivated Venezuela squad

Mar. 17, 2026 at 6:39am

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The United States will send rookie right-hander Nolan McLean to the mound to face off against veteran left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez of Venezuela in the championship game of the World Baseball Classic. The U.S. is seeking its second WBC title, while Venezuela is making its first-ever appearance in the final. Both teams have played inspired baseball throughout the tournament.

Why it matters

This matchup features two of the top baseball nations going head-to-head for the WBC crown. The U.S. is looking to redeem itself after falling short in the 2023 final, while Venezuela is aiming to bring joy to its baseball-loving fans by winning its first WBC title.

The details

The U.S. advanced to the final after rallying for a 2-1 win over the Dominican Republic in the semifinals. Venezuela reached its first WBC final with a 4-2 comeback victory over Italy. McLean, a 24-year-old rookie for the New York Mets, will take the mound for the U.S., while the veteran Rodriguez of the Arizona Diamondbacks will start for Venezuela. Maikel Garcia of the Kansas City Royals has been a standout hitter for Venezuela, batting .435 with two doubles, a homer, and six RBIs.

  • The championship game will be played on Tuesday night.
  • The U.S. is making its third consecutive appearance in the WBC final.
  • Venezuela is making its first-ever appearance in the WBC final.

The players

Nolan McLean

A 24-year-old rookie right-handed starter for the New York Mets, who will take the mound for Team USA in the WBC final.

Eduardo Rodriguez

A veteran left-handed starter for the Arizona Diamondbacks, who will start for Team Venezuela in the WBC final.

Maikel Garcia

A third baseman for the Kansas City Royals, who has been one of the top hitters for Venezuela in the WBC, batting .435 with two doubles, a homer, and six RBIs.

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What they’re saying

“I think you're crazy if you don't want to do this, honestly. Just getting the opportunity to put that 'USA' on your chest and go out there and compete with honestly the best players in the world, I think it's an unbelievable experience for me.”

— Nolan McLean

“This is what I dreamed of. What could I do to put my little grain in the sand to try and make my country happy? It's a dream I tried to preach to everyone on this team -- to be in this position and have a chance to do this.”

— Omar Lopez, Venezuela Manager

“Maikel is a super baseball player. He knows how to manage everything that happens in the game. He's like a manager. There can be 70,000 people cheering and it doesn't faze him.”

— Omar Lopez, Venezuela Manager

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This matchup between the U.S. and Venezuela in the WBC final showcases the global reach and popularity of baseball, as two of the sport's powerhouses compete for the championship trophy. The game promises to be an exciting and hard-fought battle between two talented and determined teams.