As Spring Training approaches for the 2023 MLB season, so does the 2023 World Baseball Classic. The World Baseball Classic is an international baseball tournament that is sanctioned by the International Baseball Federation and in partnership with Major League Baseball. Countries from all over the world come together and compete to see who is the best baseball nation in the world. 2023 marks the first competition since 2017, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. In 2017, the United States won the tournament and in 2023, a few Phillies will look to help the US repeat.
The World Baseball Classic will be brimming with Phillies talent
Three Philadelphia Phillies will be joining Team USA in March to compete in the WBC. The three Phillies that will be representing Team USA are Trea Turner, JT Realmuto, and Kyle Schwarber. Bryce Harper was committed until he had to receive surgery on his elbow this off-season. They will be joining an all-star roster including players like NL MVP Paul Goldschmidt, Mookie Betts, and team captain Mike Trout. Turner and Realmuto will likely be starters for the US, while Schwarber will DH and play in the outfield if needed.
Phillies Around the World
The Phillies just don’t have players committed to Team USA, they have players who have committed to represent countries around the world. New Phillies’ starting pitcher Taijuan Walker has committed to play for Team Mexico in the WBC. Closer Seranthony Dominguez will be representing the Dominican Republic, while lefty pitchers Ranger Suarez and José Alvarado will suit up for Venezuela. These four players will be important pieces to their respective rosters, as they all look to advance out of the group stage and into the knockout round.
With Pool Play beginning on March 11th for the United States, they will have to face Taijaun Walker and Mexico on March 12th in Phoenix, Arizona (Pool C). Venezuela and the Dominican Republic will meet in Pool D play on March 11th to kick off the tournament for those two teams, with Alvarado and Dominguez possibly closing for their respective squads.
World Baseball Classic betting odds
As things stand the USA is second only to the Dominican Republic in the betting odds for the World Baseball Classic.
| Dominican Republic | +200 |
| USA | +250 |
| Japan | +350 |
| Puerto Rico | +1200 |
| Venezuela | +1800 |
| Mexico | +2000 |
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Photo by Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire
