Singer, Freeland commit to Team USA
Team USA's rotation just got a little bit deeper: On Friday, Royals ace Brady Singer and Rockies starter Kyle Freeland committed to the squad for the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
The 25-year-old Singer is coming off a career year, setting personal bests in wins, innings and ERA for the Royals last season -- things he'll look to build on as he tries to help the United States win its second consecutive WBC title.
Singer is joined by the southpaw Freeland. After just six seasons, Freeland ranks ninth all-time in Rockies victories, and his 114 ERA+ is second in franchise history. The ability to pitch in hitter-friendly Coors Field should come in handy when facing the All-Star-quality squads from around the globe.
Rosters won't be finalized until later this winter, but here is how Team USA looks currently:
C: J.T. Realmuto, Will Smith
1B: Pete Alonso, Paul Goldschmidt
2B: Trevor Story
SS: Tim Anderson
3B: Nolan Arenado, Bobby Witt Jr.
OF: Mookie Betts, Cedric Mullins, Mike Trout, Kyle Tucker
SP: Nestor Cortes, Kyle Freeland, Merrill Kelly, Brady Singer, Adam Wainwright, Logan Webb
RP: David Bednar, Ryan Pressly, Dillon Tate, Devin Williams
Team USA will begin its title defense on March 11 in Phoenix, taking on Mexico, Colombia, Canada and Great Britain in Pool C.