Jayden's Journal: Baseball's WBC

By Jayden Hewitt
Sports Editor

The World Baseball Classic is one of the largest events in baseball. The WBC was slated to happen in 2021, but it was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The WBC will take place this year starting Tuesday, March 7.

The 2023 WBC will feature a collection of great players from many countries. It’s truly a sight to behold and something I’m looking forward to watching.

Fans may be familiar with some of the participants from the Detroit Tigers, including designated hitter Miguel Cabrera and left-handed pitcher Eduardo Rodríguez, who will both be playing for Venezuela. Shortstop Javier Baez will be playing for Puerto Rico, infielder Andy Ibanez will play for Cuba and infielder Jonathan Schoop will play for The Netherlands.

 

Those are the Tigers’ notable MLB participants. John Valente, Jack O’Loughlin and Chavez Fernandez will also be playing, but are all in the Minor League system for Detroit.

According to ScoresandStats.com the most recent betting odds have The Dominican Republic and the USA as the top two favorites, with Japan ranked next.

I will be rooting for team USA, but I believe The Dominican Republic will take home the championship.

The Dominican team is headlined by many stars, most notably Boston Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers, Miami Marlins right-handed pitcher Sandy Alcantara, Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vlad Guerrero Jr. and Padres outfielder Juan Soto. I could go on all day.

The DR has one of the most stacked lineups of future Hall of Fame players and young stars. The pitching staff is also very deep and full of talent.

The USA poses the biggest threat with names like Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout, Los Angeles Dodgers left-handed pitcher Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts and St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado and Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, among other stars.

Other notable players fans will be watching include Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani (Japan), Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (Venezuela), Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (Venezuela) and Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodríguez (Dominican Republic).

I’m truly excited to watch amazing baseball before the MLB season starts. Pitchers and catchers have recently reported to their teams and us baseball fans will have the MLB to watch very soon, even if it’s just spring training.

The WBC is the perfect opportunity to watch many potential breakout candidates playing for their countries.