Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd is the latest member of Team USA’s squad for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
The 34-year-old broke the news during Wednesday’s episode of Foul Territory, saying that when Team USA manager Mark DeRosa called him a couple of weeks ago with the offer, “it was something I just knew I wanted to do.”
“Any chance to get to represent our country is something that’s really special,” Boyd said. “I’m grateful for this game. It’s given me so many opportunities.”
Boyd just wrapped up his 11th MLB season, one that garnered him his first All-Star selection. He finished the year with a 14-8 record, a 3.21 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP across 179 2/3 innings.
Boyd joins Pete Crow-Armstrong as the second Cubs player to announce his intentions to play for Team USA. Boyd will slot into a starting rotation headed by 2025 National League Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes. Yankees superstar Aaron Judge, Mariners slugger Cal Raleigh, Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and D-backs outfielder Corbin Carroll are also suiting up for Team USA.
They will look to dethrone the defending champions, Samurai Japan.
Team USA will begin its tournament run in Pool B play at 8 p.m. ET on March 6, when it will face Brazil inside Houston’s Daikin Park.
