Team USA’s line up
The World Baseball Classic returns to the United States in 2023 after a five-year absence. We can only speculate as to who might win the event at this point since the rosters have been released.
The 2023 World Baseball Classic will take place from March 8 to March 21, 2022, at locations in the USA, Japan, and Taiwan. 16 teams competed in the final competition, which was held in 2017. In competition this year are 20 teams.
In the 2017 World Baseball Classic, Team USA swept to victory, defeating Puerto Rico in the championship game to win the tournament’s first championship. It appears like a repetition may be in store based on the USA’s 2023 roster.
With Mark DeRosa as manager, former All-Star Andy Pettite as pitching coach, and Ken Griffey Jr. as the hitting coach, Team USA will be led by a group of MLB veterans.
The competition will have a hard time competing on the field. Paul Goldschmidt, the St. Louis Cardinals’ first baseman and the current NL MVP, will play for Team USA. Alonso, a pitcher for the New York Mets, will support him.
While Nolan Arenado and Kansas City Royals prospect Bobby Witt Jr. will play third base, Boston Red Sox slugger Trevor Story appears to be the second baseman who is locked in. Tim Anderson of the Chicago White Sox, a quick shortstop, is probably going to play.
Starting pitchers include Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher David Bednar, and Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Devin Williams. Big players like Clayton Kershaw and Justin Verlander will probably miss the 2023 season because they don’t want to risk getting hurt.
Even though Team USA is strong, the 2023 World Baseball Classic will include some formidable opposition
The Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, who finished second and third, respectively in 2017, could pose a serious threat to the USA, despite being the favorite. The World Baseball Classic is an excellent approach to highlight the talent that is developing around the world in any situation. A lot of surprises are also certain to be included.
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