In the World Baseball Classic final held in Miami, the USA faced off against Venezuela in a dramatic game that ultimately ended in defeat for the Americans. During this closely contested match, Team USA had the opportunity to utilize their All-Star closer Mason Miller, who had performed effectively in prior games against Canada and the Dominican Republic. Despite this situation, Miller remained in the bullpen, leaving many questioning the decision, especially after Bryce Harper tied the game with a home run in the eighth inning.

Manager Mark DeRosa chose to bring in Garrett Whitlock from the Boston Red Sox instead of Miller in what seemed to be a pivotal moment in the game. In his explanation, DeRosa mentioned that the San Diego Padres, Miller's major league team, set certain conditions for his participation, indicating that Miller could only be brought in during a 'save situation.' This made Miller's availability more limited than it appeared, resulting in a missed opportunity for the USA team when a closer's skills could have been paramount.

The decision not to use Miller despite the tense circumstances raised eyebrows among fans and analysts, questioning the impact of Major League Baseball partnerships on international competitions. The implications of such decisions could be far-reaching, influencing not only team dynamics but also how players' availability is managed in future international events, considering the ongoing relationship between MLB teams and their players during critical matches like the World Baseball Classic.