New York Mets ace Max Scherzer does not like the World Baseball Classic (WBC) being played in March, before the start of the MLB season.
American pitchers have been heavily criticized in recent days for failing to play for Team USA in the 2023 WBC.
United States’ rotation is not among the best, but there are lots of aces who opted not to take part in the tournament, choosing to prepare for the season instead.
Scherzer explained his reasoning, which makes sense.
“Max Scherzer feels that the World Baseball Classic should be held during the season instead of during spring training: ‘I’m not ready to step into a quasi-playoff game right now. If I do that, I’m rolling the dice with my arm,’” SNY tweeted, quoting the three-time Cy Young winner and 2019 World Series champion.
Max Scherzer feels that the World Baseball Classic should be held during the season instead of during spring training:
“I’m not ready to step into a quasi-playoff game right now. If I do that, I’m rolling the dice with my arm.” pic.twitter.com/eOPAxEVYGL
—SNY (@SNYtv) March 13, 2023
A halt in mid-season to play the WBC could make sense, because players are mostly in-form.
In March, pitchers are still ramping up and barely ready to pitch three or four innings.
This could be different in the summer, as everybody will have played competitive games in recent days.
At 38 years old, it seems doubtful that Scherzer gets to the 2026 WBC in the elite form he currently is in.
However, if the WBC is moved to the summer and he is still around, he could be more open to representing his country.
Despite pitchers from other countries being more open to representing their nations in the WBC, it’s easy to understand those who preferred to focus on the season.
Their arms are their investments, their tools to make money and support their families.
They need to do whatever they feel is more appropriate to protect it.
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