Team USA's 3-2 defeat to Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic final highlighted ongoing tensions between international competition and MLB team interests. The game's pivotal moment came when Mason Miller, the world's top closer, sat idle in the bullpen while Garrett Whitlock surrendered the winning run in the ninth inning.

Team USA manager Mark DeRosa explained that the San Diego Padres restricted Miller's usage, allowing him to pitch only in save situations. This marked another instance of MLB teams dictating pitcher availability during the WBC, frustrating both coaches and players. Venezuela's manager Omar López faced similar pressure, receiving texts from multiple teams urging him not to use relievers on consecutive nights.

The tournament's growing popularity—with record attendance and viewership—clashes with these operational constraints. While players increasingly value WBC participation, teams remain protective of their investments, particularly pitchers who are still in spring training mode. The debate has sparked discussions about potentially moving the WBC to midseason, possibly aligning with the 2028 Olympics, though concerns about pitcher fatigue would persist.