Seventy-eight All-Stars and 190 major leaguers are set to compete in the upcoming World Baseball Classic (WBC), showcasing some of the best talent in baseball, including big names like Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, and Ronald Acuña Jr.
However, a notable absence is the Puerto Rican team, which is set to host part of the tournament. Star players Francisco Lindor and Carlos Correa, both multiple-time All-Stars, will not be on the roster due to insurance issues tied to their injury histories. Additionally, Javier Báez has been ruled out after testing positive for marijuana during the previous tournament.
Pitchers like José Berríos and Alexis Díaz also missed the cut for Puerto Rico, while Venezuelan stars José Altuve and Miguel Rojas faced similar issues. Even Mike Trout, the captain of Team USA, was deemed unlikely to receive insurance.
Despite these setbacks, Team USA is still fielding its strongest roster yet. Aaron Judge will lead a lineup with standout players like Cal Raleigh and Bryce Harper, backed by an impressive pitching staff featuring Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes, who are ranked among the world’s best starters.
Ohtani, who famously struck out Trout to clinch the title in the last WBC, will play as a designated hitter instead of pitching this year due to his past elbow surgeries. Japan’s team is also looking formidable, showcasing star pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto and multiple former MVPs from Nippon Professional Baseball.
The Dominican Republic, with future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols, boasts a powerful lineup, including Soto, Julio Rodríguez, and Fernando Tatis Jr. Their pitching has also improved since the last tournament.
Venezuela, still competitive without Altuve, is led by Acuña and other strong players. Team Mexico features childhood friends Alejandro Kirk and Jonathan Aranda, both looking to make a mark after nearly eliminating Japan in the 2023 semifinals. Fan favorite Randy Arozarena will also represent Mexico.
Puerto Rico’s roster is highlighted by the return of star closer Edwin Díaz, who suffered a serious injury during the last event. The strict insurance policies introduced since multiple injuries in the previous tournament affect several players seeking coverage.
This WBC is historic; it marks the first time all four reigning MVPs and Cy Young winners will participate. With so much talent on display, the tournament promises to be an exciting showcase of international baseball.
For further insights on this event, you can check resources like ESPN or the World Baseball Softball Confederation.
