Red Sox reliever Garrett Whitlock will pitch for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic in March, he announced Saturday on social media.
Whitlock joins a growing roster of stars already committed to represent the United States: Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge, who was named Team USA captain in April and won his second consecutive American League MVP award this month, as well as Pirates starter Paul Skenes, Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll, and Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong.
Although enthusiasm for the WBC has grown over its two decades of existence, commitments have been harder to draw from starting pitchers because of the earlier buildup required. Whitlock, a year into his full-time relief role, won’t have such a problem, since bullpen arms need a shorter runway to get ready for game action.
The 29-year-old righthander is coming off his best season since he was a rookie in 2021. His 2.2 Wins Above Replacement total, as calculated by FanGraphs, was tied for third-highest among relievers — and was first among American-born relievers.
Whitlock posted a 2.25 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and 91 strikeouts (to 24 walks) in 72 innings, a striking return to form after he missed almost all of 2024 because of elbow surgery. Along the way, he became manager Alex Cora’s go-to setup man in front of closer Aroldis Chapman.
Team USA, managed by former big leaguer and current MLB Network personality Mark DeRosa, opens its WBC schedule March 6 in Houston.
Tim Healey can be reached at timothy.healey@globe.com. Follow him @timbhealey.