Red Sox’s Garrett Whitlock announces he will play for Team USA in World Baseball Classic

Red Sox reliever Garrett Whitlock announced via Instagram on Saturday that he will play for Team USA for the World Baseball Classic.

Whitlock, 29, joins a star-studded roster including Paul Skenes, Bobby Witt Jr. and Aaron Judge as the U.S. seeks to end Japan’s recent dominance in the event. Next year’s WBC will be played in March.

Whitlock gives Team USA a lockdown option in the bullpen. In 2025, as the top setup man for closer Aroldis Chapman, Whitlock posted a 2.25 ERA in 62 appearances as the Red Sox returned to the postseason.