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Several members of Team USA appeared to have nothing to do with their second-place finish in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Team USA won the silver medals after losing to Venezuela, 3-2, in the WBC finals on Tuesday in Miami. However, shortly after receiving them from MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, several players took them off.
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Team USA’s Kyle Schwarber reacts after receiving the silver medal following a 3-2 loss against Team Venezuela at Depot Park on March 17, 2026, in Miami, Florida. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Mason Miller couldn’t wait to take out his award, which he did before hugging manager Mark DeRosa. Kyle Schwarber waited a moment, removing it as soon as he reached the steps of his dugout.
Logan Webb and Garrett Whitlock also had their medals taken from their hands, rather than around their necks.
This was Miller’s WBC debut, while Schwarber was on the losing side in the 2023 final in Japan, and in Miami.
Eduardo Rodriguez, the soon-to-be 33-year-old Venezuelan left-hander, pitched to a 5.02 ERA over the past two seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks, but you wouldn’t have thought it, the way he was living in the corners and keeping Team USA off balance during his 4.1 inning start. Team USA’s offense continued to be unbeaten until the eighth inning, when Bryce Harper tied the game with a two-out, two-out homer.
Logan Webb of Team USA reacts after receiving the silver medal following a 3-2 loss against Team Venezuela at Depot Park on March 17, 2026, in Miami, Florida. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
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But Venezuela didn’t skip a beat in the top of the ninth inning, as Garrett Whitlock, who had played a great role earlier in the tournament, didn’t look like his usual self. He issued a walk to start the inning, and after Venezuelan shortstop Javier Sanoja stole second base, Eugenio Suarez singled to left-center field to retake the lead.
Daniel Palencia got the call in the bottom of the ninth in Venezuela after shutting out Italy, and the Chicago Cubs admitted that this would be the last time he could pitch again.
He did his best, striking out Kyle Schwarber, getting Gunnar Henderson to strike out Maikel Garcia, and striking out Roman Anthony for an emotional win for Venezuela.
Team USA’s Mason Miller shakes hands with Manager Mark DeRosa after receiving his silver medal after the 2026 World Baseball Classic Championship game presented by Capital One between Team Venezuela and Team USA at Depot Park on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in Miami, Florida. (Photos by Daniel Shirey/WBCI/MLB via Getty Images)
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Venezuela won its first World Baseball Classic title in the event’s short history, which began in 2006. In the US, it was its second straight loss in the title game after winning it all in 2017.
Fox News’ Scott Thompson contributed to this report.
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