The World Baseball Classic will start on March 8.
The rosters for all 20 participating countries have already been announced, and some of them are full of MLB-caliber talent.
While some MLB franchisees are still very careful at the moment of giving away permission to play to their stars, others are sending five, six, and even more of their pieces.
The event has three teams that look to be a cut above the rest: Japan, the Dominican Republic, and the United States.
It’s not a coincidence that they are the only countries to win a WBC.
Japan did it in 2006 and 2009, the Dominicans in 2013, and the Americans in 2017, the last edition to this day.
Japan is known for its pitching, while Team USA and the DR both have incredible lineups.
Talkin’ Baseball made an interesting exercise on Twitter: they wrote both lineups and started the comparison.
Which one is better?
You be the judge.
Which World Baseball Classic lineup is better? pic.twitter.com/HCMIS2Lhtk
—Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) February 13, 2023
Given Gary Sanchez’s inconsistency in the last couple of seasons, Team USA has the edge at catcher with JT Realmuto.
First base appears to be a wash, but batting champion Jeff McNeil gives the Americans another “point” over Ketel Marte.
Nolan Arenado and Manny Machado are another virtual tie, and Trea Turner is better than Jeremy Pena despite the latter’s playoff efforts.
Kyle Tucker is more productive and consistent than Teoscar Hernandez, but it’s close, while Mike Trout is still ahead of Julio Rodriguez even if that probably won’t be the case in a couple of years.
Mookie Betts is a better player than Juan Soto, but the latter is a better hitter.
Pete Alonso is excellent, but Rafael Devers is a superior hitter and gives the Dominicans the edge at DH.
At least at first sight, Team USA appears to have a slightly better lineup, but the pitching edge might go to the DR.
Both teams are firm contenders for their second title.
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