SF Giants: Logan Webb no longer on Team USA’s World Baseball Classic roster
Team USA released its roster for the 2023 World Baseball Classic on Thursday afternoon, and there was one notable omission. SF Giants ace Logan Webb, who had committed to play for Team USA in December, is not on Team USA's roster. Webb had hinted at Giants FanFest that he was reconsidering whether to compete in the WBC, and it appears the right-handed starter has opted out of the competition.
SF Giants right-handed pitcher Logan Webb. (2022)
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Webb has emerged as one of the best young starting pitchers in MLB over the past two seasons. Last year, despite the Giants disappointing season, Webb posted a 2.90 ERA in 192.1 innings and finished 11th in National League Cy Young award voting. After the Giants lost left-handed starting pitcher Carlos Rodón in free agency to the New York Yankees this offseason, Webb is undeniably the top starting pitcher in San Francisco's rotation. Given how reliant the team will be on Webb in 2023, it's not surprising that he ultimately decided to pass up playing in the WBC out of fear of an increased risk of injury.
A Rocklin, California native, Webb seems like an ideal extension candidate. However, despite reports that both sides have had interest in a long-term extension, there have been no recent reports suggesting the two sides are close to an agreement. Granted, extension negotiations usually stay behind closed doors until a deal is announced.
Despite not playing for Team USA, Logan Webb will still get a taste of some World Baseball Classic action this spring. Team USA plans to use the SF Giants facilities in Scottsdale, Arizona as their base camp for operations throughout the tournament. Moreover, the Giants will host Team USA for an exhibition game on March 8th, where Webb will presumably get to face off against the players he had once planned to suit up alongside.
