New York Yankees closer David Bednar will pitch for Team USA at the 2026 World Baseball Classic, USA Baseball announced Thursday.
Bednar joined San Diego Padres closer Mason Miller and Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal as one of the three most recent commitments to manager Mark DeRosa's club.
The right-hander joined the Yankees at the 2025 trade deadline in a trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He had two saves and a 1.50 ERA in five postseason games as New York's closer.
Other reported members of Team USA's bullpen include Garrett Whitlock, Griffin Jax, and Garrett Cleavinger.
Next March will be Bednar's second stint with Team USA
Bednar was a contributor to Team USA's bullpen in the 2023 edition of the WBC, when they fell 3-2 against Samurai Japan in the championship game.
With a pitching staff that has Cy Young Award winners Paul Skenes and Skubal, the United States' arms already appear more formidable than the 2023 squad. Last edition's starters featured elder veterans and non-All-Stars like Adam Wainwright, Lance Lynn, Kyle Freeland, and Brady Singer.
Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge will captain the United States, and their first game of the WBC is Friday, March 6, against Brazil at Houston's Daikin Park.
More Yankees news:
- Ex-Yankee Clint Frazier calls out two players he believes shouldn’t be on New York’s roster
- Injured Yankees fan favorite considered potential option to play shortstop over Anthony Volpe
- Yankees’ Brian Cashman seemingly opens door for Anthony Volpe to lose starting job
- Yankees linked to trade for elite starter by MLB.com
- Yankees’ Brian Cashman makes admission fans want to hear amid quiet start to offseason
- New Dodgers’ Cody Bellinger report doesn’t sound ideal for Yankees