2023 World Baseball Classic slated to begin this week
The fifth World Baseball Classic (WBC) began on Tuesday, Mar. 7, and will continue until the final round draws a winner on Mar. 21. While this tournament, like the four before it, boasts three main contenders, several underdog countries could play their way to this year’s trophy. Delving into what teams to watch out for in each pool is the best way to get a view inside the tournament.
Pool A does not muster the greatest amount of hope this year, though that does work to give each team a level playing field going into the tournament. The most noteworthy team in the pool is the Netherlands, but that is mostly due to their past performances—not their current roster. The team has come fourth in the last two tournaments (‘13 and ‘17) and although the country boasts some strong infielders in shortstops Xander Bogaerts, Andrelton Simmons, and Didi Gregorius, it will take a super strong run to get this team past the quarterfinals.
The second pool in the competition looks like it will be won in a landslide once again this year with perennial contender Japan ready to play. The team, headlined by top-three Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher, designated hitter, and outfielder Shohei Ohtani, boasts a complete team on both sides of the field. With all-star pitcher Yu Darvish adding to the rotation and infielder Munetaka Murakami bringing some power into the lineup, the team seems destined to at least live up to the top-three finish they have achieved in every tournament so far.
Also in the pool with Japan is the Czech Republic, who went on a shocking run in the qualifying rounds and will be making their first WBC appearance this year. This team will be a fun one to watch with every member of the team holding day jobs along with playing baseball on the weekends. It will be interesting to see how they stack up against teams full of MLB-level talent while their sole MLB veteran, infielder Eric Sogard, has not played since 2021.
Pool C also looks to be one-sided with the United States coming in as a betting favorite to win the tournament for the second time in a row. The team consists of star power on every front with MLB Most Valuable Players (MVPs), center fielder Mike Trout, outfielder Mookie Betts, and first baseman Paul Goldschmidt leading the charge on offense. The team’s pitching looks a little depleted after stars Clayton Kershaw and Nestor Cortes had to drop out after injuries, but veterans Adam Wainwright and Lance Lynn will look to lead the country to victory.
Mexico will be competing as an underdog in this tournament as they bring a solid lineup and a few notable pitchers to the competition. Outfielders Alex Verdugo, Randy Arozarena, and Alek Thomas will make up the heart of the team’s lineup while pitchers Julio Urías and José Urquidy will take control on the mound. The group will look to make it out of the pool for the first time since 2009 but most likely will not see much success if they reach the semifinals.
Pool D proves to be one of the most competitive and fun-to watch groups of the tournament with three of the strongest teams in the whole tournament being placed there. The Dominican Republic has one of the strongest chances of winning with an offense that claims young stars like outfielders Juan Soto and Julio Rodríguez along with top veterans like third basemen Manny Machado and Rafael Devers. Their pitching doesn’t lack either with Cy Young winner Sandy Alcántara leading a rotation with Cristian Javier right behind. The D.R. will be a blast to watch and will look to claim their first WBC trophy since 2013.
Puerto Rico and Venezuela are in similar positions this year within Pool D as they look to finally get over the hump and take first place in the tournament. Puerto Rico has been the runner-up in each of the last two tournaments while Venezuela will attempt to finish in the top three for the first time since 2009. Each team consists of a talented lineup and solid pitching that will attempt to lead their countries to victory.
No matter who comes out on top, it will be fun to see familiar faces along with some new stars all competing for their national pride on baseball’s biggest stage. The winner will be on top of the baseball world, holding bragging rights for the next four years until the Classic starts all over again in 2027.