Already boasting what is arguably the most stacked roster heading into the World Baseball Classic, Team USA may have found the final piece of its puzzle with the addition of San Diego Padres closer Mason Miller.
“Obviously, it was a no-brainer for me, something I’m super excited to do,” Miller said on MLB Network’s Hot Stove. “Honored to represent the country and play in a really cool event.”
"Honored to represent the country and play in a really cool event..." 🇺🇸
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) December 18, 2025
Mason Miller talks about his decision to play for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic! Https://t.co/EYqInWgeln pic.twitter.com/K0LmLkuzjG
With Aaron Judge serving as captain and a rotation led by cy-young winners Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes, Miller gives Team USA a true late-inning weapon. His addition solidifies a bullpen still taking shape and further strengthens a roster already loaded with elite talent on both sides of the ball.
Mason Miller boosts Team USA’s chances at WBC title
After falling to Team Japan in the championship game of the 2023 World Baseball Classic, Team USA manager Mark DeRosa has officially pushed his chips to the center of the table. The addition of Mason Miller signals a full-scale effort to reclaim the trophy that slipped away last time around.
The hard-throwing right-hander, capable of reaching 104 mph, has been dominant since his MLB debut in 2023 and maintained that peak form after being traded to San Diego midway through the 2025 season. Miller posted a 0.77 ERA across 22 appearances with the Padres, quickly establishing himself as one of baseball’s most overpowering relievers.
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— USA Baseball (@USABaseball) December 18, 2025
Mason Miller has committed to pitch for Team USA at the World Baseball Classic! Pic.twitter.com/BcZW706z57
Miller joins a bullpen that already features Garrett Whitlock, Griffin Jax and Garrett Cleavinger, all solid relief options in their own righ, but none possess the same late-inning x-factor as Miller’s elite fastball.
With the recent additions of Miller and Skubal, Team USA may have assembled the strongest roster in its history as it looks to reclaim the World Baseball Classic title it last won in 2017.