Team USA players remove WBC silver medals from necks
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Several members of Team USA appeared unwilling to finish second in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
The silver medal was given to the USA team, which lost 3-2 to Venezuela in the WBC final played in Miami on Tuesday. But shortly after receiving them from MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, several players took them off.
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Team United States’ Kyle Schwarber reacts after taking the silver medal following a 3-2 defeat against Team Venezuela on March 17, 2026 at CreditDepot Park in Miami, Florida. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Mason Miller couldn’t wait to pull out his medal, and he did so before hugging manager Mark DeRosa. Kyle Schwarber waited a little longer and pulled it out when he reached the stairs of his dugout.
Logan Webb and Garrett Whitlock were also caught with their medals in their hands rather than around their necks.
This was Miller’s WBC debut; Schwarber was on the team that lost to Japan in the 2023 final, also in Miami.
Soon-to-be 33-year-old Venezuelan left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez had a 5.02 ERA over the last two seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks, but you wouldn’t think so as he lived in the corners and kept Team USA off-balance throughout his 4.1 inning start. Team USA’s offense continued to falter until the eighth inning, when Bryce Harper hit a two-run, two-run homer to tie the game.
Team USA’s Logan Webb reacts after taking the silver medal following a 3-2 defeat against Team Venezuela on March 17, 2026 at CreditDepot Park in Miami, Florida. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
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But Venezuela didn’t miss a beat in the top of the ninth as Garrett Whitlock, who played a high-leverage role earlier in the tournament, didn’t look his usual self. He drew a walk to start the inning, and after Venezuelan pinch-runner 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 for Venezuela after shutting out Italy, and the Chicago Cubs agreed that was the only time he could pitch again.
He made the most of the opportunity by putting Kyle Schwarber in front, getting Gunnar Henderson to meet Maikel Garcia and putting Roman Anthony behind to seal an emotional victory 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 presented by Capital One game between Team Venezuela and Team USA at CreditDepot Park on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Daniel Shirey/WBCI/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
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Venezuela won its first World Baseball Classic title in the short history of the event, which began in 2006. For the USA, this was their second consecutive defeat in the championship game after winning the title in 2017.
Fox News’ Scott Thompson contributed to this report.
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