Teams To Watch In The World Baseball Classic

The World Baseball Classic is just around the corner and there are plenty of teams with a chance to take home the title. Here are the Teams to Watch out for in the 2017 World Baseball Classic

The United States

The United States will be looking to improve on their disappointing showing in the last World Baseball Classic where they were upset by eventual champion Japan in the second round. They’ll have a strong team again this time around, led by a pitching staff that includes Chris Sale Marcus Stroman, and Clayton Kershaw The lineup is no slouch either, with Paul Goldschmidt, Giancarlo Stanton and Andrew McCutchen providing plenty of power. The US should be considered one of the favorites to win the tournament.

Other teams to watch include Japan, who will be looking to defend their title; Cuba, who always field a strong team in international competitions; and South Korea who are always a tough out.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is one of the Teams to Watch in the World Baseball Classic They have a strong lineup and a good mix of experience and young talent. Their starting lineup includes some of the best players in baseball including Carlos Beltran, Yadier Molina and Javier Baez They also have a deep pitching staff that includes veterans like Orlando “El Duque” Hernandez and young stars like Jose Berrios. Puerto Rico has a good chance to make a deep run in the tournament and could be a dark horse to win it all.

The Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic has won the World Baseball Classic twice, in 2013 and 2017, and they are always a team to watch The lineup is loaded with Major League talent, including Blue Jays shortstop Vladmir Guerrero Jr., Indians infielder José Ramírez, Rangers outfielder Nomar Mazara, and Twins third baseman Miguel Sanó. pitchers include reigning AL Cy Young winner Shane Bieber of the Indians, White Sox starter Reynaldo López, and Rays closer Emilio Pagán. The Dominican Republic is a team full of power hitters and dominant pitchers, and they will be a force to be reckoned with in the 2021 World Baseball Classic

Venezuela

Venezuela is one of the teams to keep an eye on in the World Baseball Classic They have a strong lineup, led by Miguel Cabrera and a deep pitching staff. They will be a tough team to beat.

Cuba

Cuba is always a team to watch in the World Baseball Classic and they should be considered one of the favorites once again in 2017. The Cuban national team has won two World Baseball Classics, in both 2006 and 2009, and they have been runners-up twice, in both 2013 and 2017. Cuba has a strong baseball tradition and some of the best players in the world come from Cuba. Keep an eye on Cuban players like Yulieski Gourriel, Alfredo Despaigne and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. during the 2017 World Baseball Classic

Mexico

Mexico will be looking to make a strong showing in the World Baseball Classic after a disappointing performance in 2013. The team has a strong pitching staff, led by starters Sergio Romo and Yovani Gallardo. The lineup features some power hitters, including first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and outfielder Carlos Gonzalez. Mexico should be a tough opponent for any team in the tournament.

Japan

Japan is the two-time defending champion of the World Baseball Classic The team is once again loaded with talent, and they will be looking to make it three straight titles in 2017. Led by star outfielder Ichiro Suzuki the Japanese team is always a force to be reckoned with in international competition.

South Korea

South Korea has a solid mix of experienced major leaguers and up-and-coming prospects, and they always seem to find a way to win in international competitions. Look for them to be a tough out in the 2017 World Baseball Classic

Some Key Players to watch include:

-Outfielder Choi Ji-man
-First baseman Lee Dae-ho
-Starting pitcher Ryu Hyun-jin
-Closer Oh Seung-hwan

Taiwan

Taiwan will be looking to make some noise in the World Baseball Classic this year. They have a strong roster with a mix of experienced veterans and young talent. They will be a tough team to beat and one to keep an eye on in the tournament.

Australia

Australia has never been a powerhouse in international baseball but they are a team to watch in this year’s World Baseball Classic The team is made up mostly of players from the Australian baseball league and they will be looking to make a name for themselves on the world stage.