Team USA baseball manager Mark DeRosa responds to criticism amid mounting controversy

David Ortiz, Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez reflect on their memories from the World Baseball Classic, while Kevin Burkhardt joins the discussion as the tournament prepares for its 2026 return to FOX.

Team USA manager Mark DeRosa responded to a question about criticism of his management during the World Baseball Classic after critics have piled on him in recent days.

"I have an undying passion for it and an undying belief in every guy on this roster," DeRosa said in an in-game interview with Fox Sports during the Team USA game vs. Canada. 

"I don't think there's an A or a B. I think they're all A's."

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DeRosa’s comments come amid scrutiny after Team USA’s surprising 8–6 loss to Italy in pool play, a defeat that sparked widespread discussion about lineup decisions and comments he made before the game about the Americans’ tournament standing.

WBC Team USA Captain Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees and Team USA manager Mark DeRosa speak to the media during a game between the Kansas City Royals and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium April 14, 2025, in New York, N.Y. (Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos)

Before the game, DeRosa said he believed Team USA had already clinched a spot in the knockout round, which proved incorrect once Italy pulled off an upset. The miscalculation quickly went viral and drew criticism from fans and analysts, some questioning the team’s approach and decision-making heading into the game.

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Despite the backlash, DeRosa has insisted the criticism has created misleading narratives about his handling of the team and his understanding of the tournament format.

Manager Mark DeRosa of