This time last year Garrett Whitlock entered the season facing considerable uncertainty. The veteran right-hander had missed most of the prior year due to elbow surgery, and after a bumpy three-year run as a starter Whitlock was set to return to the bullpen full-time.

Naturally, the idea that he’d soon have a chance to suit up for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic would have seemed too good to be true.

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“Brother, a year ago I was trying to make sure I still had a spot on the Red Sox,” Whitlock said last weekend at Fenway Fest. “I had no idea this would be possible.”

Whitlock recently committed to pitching for Team USA, joining a star-studded American roster that will also include names like Aaron Judge, Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes. The Americans will enter the tournament as one of the favorites, and Whitlock should have a chance to pitch high-leverage innings as part of a stacked bullpen.

The invitation came after Whitlock turned in a remarkable 2025 season for the Red Sox, posting a 2.25 ERA with 91 strikeouts in 72 innings as Boston’s primary eighth-inning set-up man. Whitlock announced his commitment in November, and said he was “stoked” to receive the call from Team USA manager Mark DeRosa.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” Whitlock said. “I’ve always wanted to be a part of it, so to have this opportunity, it’s a true honor.”

Team USA will open its World Baseball Classic run on March 6 against Brazil at Houston’s Daikin Park.

Anthony not participating

Recently rumors had begun circulating that Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony could potentially suit up for Team Italy in the WBC, but last weekend at Fenway Fest, Anthony poured cold water on the possibility.

“I would say it’s out of play,” Anthony said, adding that his focus right now is on preparing for his first full season in the majors. “I would love to play in the WBC at some point. For who? I’m not sure. Obviously Italy would be a great opportunity and a blast, but for me right now the best thing is to go into this spring and take full advantage of my first full spring training before my first full season in the big leagues.”

Who’s in, who’s out?

In addition to Whitlock, other Red Sox players who are confirmed to be participating in the WBC include left-hander Aroldis Chapman (Great Britain), right-hander Brayan Bello (Dominican Republic) and outfielders Ceddanne Rafaela (Netherlands) and Jarren Duran (Mexico). Outfielder Wilyer Abreu (Venezuela) is expected to take part as well, and infielder Marcelo Mayer (Mexico) and first baseman Willson Contreras (Venezuela) hope to do so but have not yet been cleared by insurance.

Catcher Carlos Narvaez was not able to get insurance and won’t play for Venezuela, and right-hander Greg Weissert (Italy) and designated hitter Masataka Yoshida (Japan) are candidates to play for those countries. Red Sox assistant hitting coach Dillon Lawson will also serve on Great Britain’s staff.