Team USA manager DeRosa admits overconfidence before Italy loss at World Baseball Classic

DeRosa says he was "well aware" of tiebreaker scenarios despite earlier comments suggesting otherwise.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 8:39pm

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Team USA manager Mark DeRosa acknowledged making an "overly confident statement" on MLB Network prior to his team's loss to Italy in the World Baseball Classic, saying he was "well aware" that the Americans needed to win that game to clinch a quarterfinal berth. DeRosa defended some of his lineup decisions but took responsibility for putting the team "in a tough spot" with the loss.

Why it matters

DeRosa's comments and decisions before the Italy game raised questions about his preparation and strategic decision-making, which could have major implications for Team USA's chances of advancing deep into the World Baseball Classic tournament.

The details

DeRosa said he felt "good about where we were after Mexico" but made an "overly confident statement" when he said "our ticket's punched to the quarterfinals" on MLB Network earlier that day. He insisted the team was "prepared to win" against Italy, despite some curious lineup decisions like not starting Bryce Harper, Alex Bregman and Brice Turang. DeRosa defended the moves, saying Harper "was struggling a little bit" and they had considered playing Bregman at second base before the tournament.

  • On March 12, 2026, Team USA lost to Team Italy 8-6 in a World Baseball Classic pool play game.
  • After the loss, DeRosa said he "misspoke" and "completely misread the calculations" regarding the tiebreaker scenarios.

The players

Mark DeRosa

The manager of the United States national baseball team competing in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Bryce Harper

An American professional baseball outfielder who was not in the starting lineup for Team USA against Italy.

Alex Bregman

An American professional baseball infielder who was not in the starting lineup for Team USA against Italy.

Brice Turang

An American professional baseball infielder who was not in the starting lineup for Team USA against Italy.

Vinnie Pasquantino

An Italian professional baseball player whose team defeated Team USA.

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What they’re saying

“It's just an overly confident statement on 'Hot Stove.' Period. The end. And it's my fault. I felt good about where we were after Mexico.”

— Mark DeRosa, Team USA Manager

“We did not lose sight of the fact that we had to go out and play well against Italy. They played a hell of a game. They smacked us in the mouth early. They got up big. We went into that game prepared to win it. I think there's a couple false narratives out there.”

— Mark DeRosa, Team USA Manager

“Bryce Harper 'was struggling a little bit,' and that they originally thought they might play Bregman at second base, but 'kind of squashed' that idea before the tournament began.”

— Mark DeRosa, Team USA Manager

What’s next

As the Pool B runner-up, Team USA will face Pool A winner Canada in the quarterfinals on Friday night in Houston.

The takeaway

DeRosa's comments and decisions before the Italy game raised questions about his preparation and strategic decision-making, which could have major implications for Team USA's chances of advancing deep into the World Baseball Classic tournament. However, the team has a chance to redeem itself in the quarterfinals against Canada.