MLB will organize the fifth edition of the World Baseball Classic next March, with some of the best teams and players in the world.
Team USA will defend the title they got in 2017.
The tournament wasn’t played last year, when it was supposed to take place, due to the pandemic.
However, everything is ready for it to happen next year.
Team USA is assembling one of the best rosters in recent memory, and several players are committing to join the squad.
The most recent star to announce his presence is Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith.
He is joining his teammate, outfielder Mookie Betts, who announced his intention to participate last week.
“Make that two Dodger players who are all in. Will Smith joins Mookie Betts on the @USABaseball team for the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Dino Ebel is also on board as third base coach,” Dodgers Insider tweeted.
Make that two Dodger players who are all in. Will Smith joins Mookie Betts on the @USABaseball team for the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Dino Ebel is also on board as third base coach. pic.twitter.com/T221sRxWl3
— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) August 29, 2022
Team USA Is Building Something Great
Smith, of course, will have some competition in the catcher’s spot, as Philadelphia Phillies star J.T. Realmuto will also report to Team USA in March.
The roster is shaping up quite nicely: Realmuto and Smith will be the catchers, Pete Alonso and Paul Goldschmidt will be the first basemen, Trevor Story and Tim Anderson will function as middle infielders, and Nolan Arenado will bring his dual talent (elite fielding and productive offense) from the hot corner.
Betts will be joined in the outfield by stars such as Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, and Cedric Mullins so far.
There aren’t many details about who will pitch, but the Americans have several weapons that could star from the rotation and the bullpen.
Quietly, they look determined to defend their title.
