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Several members of Team USA didn’t seem to want anything to do with a second place finish at the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Team USA won silver medals after losing to Venezuela, 3-2, in the WBC final Tuesday in Miami. However, shortly after receiving them from MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, several players removed them.
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Kyle Schwarber of Team USA reacts after receiving a silver medal following the 3-2 loss to Team Venezuela at LoanDepot Park on March 17, 2026, in Miami, Florida. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Mason Miller couldn’t wait to collect his medal, even before sharing a hug with manager Mark DeRosa. Kyle Schwarber waited a little longer, removing it just as he reached the steps of his shelter.
Logan Webb and Garrett Whitlock were also captured with their medals in their hands rather than around their necks.
It was Miller’s WBC debut, while Schwarber was part of the team that lost in the 2023 final to Japan, also in Miami.
Eduardo Rodriguez, the 33-year-old future left-hander from Venezuela, had pitched to a 5.02 ERA over the past two seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks, but you wouldn’t think so given the way he lived in the corners and kept the U.S. team off-balance throughout his 4.1 inning start. Team USA’s offense continued to be blanked until the eighth inning, when Bryce Harper tied the game with a two-out, two-run homer.
Logan Webb of Team USA reacts after receiving a silver medal following the 3-2 loss to Team Venezuela at LoanDepot Park on March 17, 2026, in Miami, Florida. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
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But Venezuela didn’t miss a beat in the top of the ninth inning, as Garrett Whitlock, who had been excellent in a high-leverage role earlier in the tournament, didn’t look like his usual self. He issued a walk to start the inning, and after Venezuela’s replacement runner Javier Sanoja stole second base, Eugenio Suarez smashed a changeup to left-center field for a double to regain the lead.
Daniel Palencia got the call in the bottom of the ninth for Venezuela after knocking out Italy, and the Chicago Cubs agreed that would be the only time he could pitch.
He capitalized on the opportunity by striking out Kyle Schwarber, popping Gunnar Henderson to Maikel Garcia and striking out Roman Anthony to seal an emotional victory for Venezuela.
Mason Miller of Team USA shakes hands with Manager Mark DeRosa after receiving his silver medal following the 2026 World Classic Baseball Championship presented by Capital One game between Team Venezuela and Team USA at LoanDepot Park, Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in Miami, Florida. (Photos Daniel Shirey/WBCI/MLB via Getty Images)
Venezuela won its first World Baseball Classic title in the short history of the event, which began in 2006. For the United States, it was its second straight loss in the title game after winning it all in 2017.
