The 2026 World Baseball Classic final was one of baseball's biggest events. Team USA, managed by Mark DeRosa, faced Venezuela in Miami. Before the game, DeRosa had three crucial lineup decisions to make. He needed to choose the right players for catcher, center field, and infield. These choices would shape how the team performed in the championship.
At catcher, DeRosa had to pick between Cal Raleigh and Will Smith. Raleigh hit 60 home runs in 2025, but he struggled during the tournament. Smith, meanwhile, had been hitting better in recent games. In center field, Pete Crow-Armstrong and Byron Buxton were both strong options. Crow-Armstrong led the league in defensive ability, while Buxton offered incredible speed.
DeRosa also considered how his lineup would match up against Venezuela's pitcher. Eduardo Rodriguez, a left-handed starter, was expected to pitch for Venezuela. This meant DeRosa had to balance right-handed and left-handed hitters carefully. Alex Bregman, who had great past results against Rodriguez, earned a spot. These strategic decisions showed how complex managing a championship team can be.
In the end, Venezuela won the thrilling final 3-2 to claim its first title. Eugenio Suárez hit a go-ahead double in the ninth inning for Venezuela. Bryce Harper had tied the game with a dramatic home run in the eighth. Despite having one of the most talented rosters ever assembled, Team USA fell short. The result proved that smart strategy and determination can overcome star power.