Star Red Sox reliever Garrett Whitlock is the latest player to join Team USA in the World Baseball Classic in March, he announced via Instagram on Saturday.
Through 62 appearances in relief this past season, Whitlock posted a 7-3 record with a 2.25 ERA and 91 strikeouts in 72 innings pitched while serving primarily as Boston’s setup man for closer Aroldis Chapman.
Whitlock spent his entire five-year MLB tenure with the Red Sox, posting a career 3.13 ERA through 165 appearances.
The 29-year-old was initially drafted by the Yankees in the 18th round of the 2017 MLB Draft before Boston later selected him during the 2020 Rule 5 draft.
Whitlock now joins a growing roster of stars who will represent the United States.
So far, the list includes Aaron Judge – who was named Team USA captain in April – and 2025 NL Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes, as well as Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll and Cubs centerfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong.
Team USA manager Mark DeRosa praised the team when he welcomed Carroll and Crow-Armstrong to the team at the MLB Awards earlier this month.
“We need some energy, some youthful energy,” DeRosa said. “We’ll have the great captain, the AL MVP, in right field. But I think we need some young guns to get it, to hit some home runs.”
DeRosa then invited the two young outfielders to the podium and presented Team USA jerseys.
“You knew I would call eventually,” DeRosa told Crow-Armstrong. “So you came up to me at the Home Run Derby, and what did you say?”
“I said, ‘Every time you call, you know my answer is yes,’” Crow-Armstrong said. “I love playing for my country more than anything. Getting to play for you, getting to play with Cal, Corbs, Mr. Judge; it’s going to be great.”
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