USA vs. Brazil starting pitchers: Logan Webb takes mound against Bo Takahashi in World Baseball Classic

Mar 7, 2026 - 04:00

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USA vs. Brazil starting pitchers: Logan Webb takes mound against Bo Takahashi in World Baseball Classic originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Team USA opens its World Baseball Classic journey on Friday, as the team takes the field against Brazil in Houston.

The United States has high hopes of winning its second WBC title, which has led the team to recruit both reigning Cy Young winners, Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes. However, neither pitcher is set to open the tournament or group play for the United States.

LIVE:Follow USA vs. Brazil updates from 2026 World Baseball Classic

Instead, manager Mark DeRosa is handing the ball to the San Francisco Giants ace, hoping to get off to a strong start. Team USA will play in four group games, but Brazil is expected to be the worst team in the group, which could allow the United States to ease into the tournament.

Brazil, meanwhile, faces an uphill battle in its first game. The Brazilians do not have a single MLB player on the team, so whoever gets the start will face the toughest task of the tournament.

Here's what you need to know about Friday night's pitching matchup.

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USA vs. Brazil starting pitchers

Team USA has tabbed Logan Webb to start the opening game in the World Baseball Classic. While Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal are bigger names, Webb is quietly one of the best pitchers in baseball and is typically the better pitcher in any game.

Webb starting this game will line him up for another start in the quarterfinals, allowing Team USA to potentially save Paul Skenes for a later knockout game. However, Webb is an ace himself, as he sports a career 3.38 ERA in 180 MLB games and has led baseball in innings pitched three times.

Brazil, meanwhile, will hand the ball to 29-year-old Bo Takahaski in the opening game. Takahashi spent seven years in the minors before moving overseas, as he's played in both the KBO and NPB since 2021.

Takahashi pitched for Brazil last year in the WBC qualifiers, allowing one run in 2.1 innings of work as Brazil took the loss.

Logan Webb vs. Bo Takahashi by the numbers

Logan Webb stats

Year	Games	Record	Innings	ERA	SO	Runs
2019	8	2-3	39.2	5.22	37	25
2020	13	3-4	54.1	5.47	46	61
2021	27	11-3	148.1	3.03	158	53
2022	32	15-9	192.1	2.90	163	76
2023	33	11-13	216*	3.25	194	83
2024	33*	13-10	204.2*	3.47	172	83
2025	34*	15-11	207*	3.22	224*	82

*Led the league*

Bo Takahashi stats

Year	League	Games	Innings	Record	ERA	SO	Runs
2021	KBO	7	36.2	1-3	4.91	46	22
2022	NPB	27	31.2	0-0	2.56	26	14
2023	NPB	28	36	0-1	3.00	27	12
2024	NPB	33	72.2	2-9	3.22	48	31
2025	NPB	4	5	0-0	10.80	4	6

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Who does Logan Webb play for in MLB?

Logan Webb has spent his entire career with the Giants, including the last five seasons as the team's ace. Since 2021, Webb has pitched in 159 games, posting an ERA under 3.50 each year while leading the league in innings pitched in each of the last three seasons.

Webb and the Giants agreed to a five-year, $90 million extension that began in 2024 and ties the pitcher to the team through the 2028 season.

Who does Bo Takahashi play for in MLB?

Bo Takahashi signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks as an international free agent in 2013, but he never played a game in the major leagues. Takahashi spent seven years in the minor leagues, but in 2021 chose to play in the KBO after missing all of 2020.

Takahashi currently plays in the NPB for the Seibu Lions, as he's spent four seasons with the team.