USA vs Venezuela: $100 for the WBC Final
by Sam Cox
The 2026 World Baseball Classic takes place at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 17. Despite a scare in the group stage, the United States have made it to the title game, and are matched up with an underdog Venezuelan team, featuring several MLB stars.
Sportsbooks price the Americans are overwhelming favorites for this contest, with Venezuela playing in their first-ever WBC final. The U.S. lost to Japan in the last edition of this event and won the 2017 tournament.
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Starting Pitchers
Nolan McLean and Eduardo Rodríguez are going head-to-head on the mound. Both pitchers had poor starts in pool play, with McLean struggling against Italy and Rodríguez allowed three runs in 2.2 innings against the Dominican Republic.
While Rodríguez has more experience, he posted a 5.02 ERA in the majors last season. McLean, meanwhile, showcased his electric stuff over an eight-start period. He’s one of the frontrunners for National League Rookie of the Year in 2026.
It’s clear the U.S. have the edge here, even with McLean pitching in the biggest game of his life.
Bullpen Availability
With Venezuela playing on Monday and the U.S. on Sunday, the Americans have a fully rested bullpen. Venezuela had to go deep into their relief corps in the semifinal, but Luinder Avila is the only pitcher expected to be unavailable.
Andrés Machado, Danny Palencia, Angel Zerpa, and Eduard Bazardo were in action for Venezuela against Italy, though they should be ready to go in the title game. Jhonathan Díaz, Anthony Molina, Emmanuel De Jesus, Jose Alvarez, José Buttó and Antonio Senzatela can also be used out of Venezuela’s bullpen.
There’s a little uncertainty over Mason Miller’s availability for the U.S., but even if he’s not ready to go, they have brought in Jeff Hoffman for late-inning work.
History Makers
Venezuela have already made history by reaching their second ever WBC semifinal and their first final. All the pressure is on Aaron Judge’s U.S. team, who were clear pre-tournament favorites and have a schedule that has benefited them throughout.
Japan and the Dominican Republic had shorter odds than Venezuela coming into the World Baseball Classic. Getting this far already represents a remarkable achievement for the South American nation, but they can make history by winning on Tuesday night.
They would be only the fourth nation to win the World Baseball Classic. Venezuela are also on course to break their previous high (one) of players in the All-WBC team.
