World Baseball Network’s Matthew Tallarini has ranked all 20 teams in the World Baseball Classic. Today, we look at teams ranked No. 5 through No. 1 in his power rankings.
5. Puerto Rico – Manager Yadier Molina has the chance to help Puerto Rico go back to the championship game for a third straight World Baseball Classic. Puerto Rico will deep roster of players from Major League Baseball, the high minor leagues, and international league players for the World Baseball Classic. Francisco Lindor, Javy Baez, and Eddie Rosario will be the key to Puerto Rico’s offense in Pool D of the World Baseball Classic in Miami. Marcus Stroman, the 2017 WBC MVP for Team USA, will be on the pitching staff for Puerto Rico during the 2023 World Baseball Classic Starting pitcher Jose Berrios and closer Edwin Diaz will be crucial components of Ricky Bones’ pitching staff.
WBC Site: Pool D, Loan Depot Park, Miami, Florida
WBSC Ranking: 13
Pool Play Schedule
March 11 – vs. Nicaragua – Noon EST – Fox Sports 2
March 12 – vs. Venezuela – 7 p.m. EST – Fox Sports 1
March 13 – vs. Israel – 7 p.m. EST – Fox Sports 1
March 15 – vs. Dominican Republic – 7 p.m. EST – Fox Sports 1
4. Venezuela – Manager Omar Lopez has a veteran team at the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Venezuela has made its only semifinal appearance in the World Baseball Classic in 2009. Miguel Cabrera will play in his fifth World Baseball Classic during his storied Hall of Fame career, while Jose Altuve is playing in his third World Baseball Classic and could be a major spark for Venezuela’s offense. Ronald Acuna Jr. is playing in his first World Baseball Classic and will look to provide some pop to Venezuela’s offense. Pitching coach Ivan Artega will have Pablo Lopez, Luis Garcia, and Jesus Luzardo eating innings and getting batters out. Venezuela has also drawn several players from the Liga Venezuela de Beisbol Profesional winter circuit to build their team for the World Baseball Classic.
WBC Site: Pool D, Loan Depot Park, Miami, Florida
WBSC Ranking: 6
Pool Play Schedule
March 11 – vs. Dominican Republic – 7 p.m. EST – Fox Sports 1
March 12 – vs. Puerto Rico – 7 p.m. EST – Fox Sports 1
March 14 – vs. Nicaragua – Noon EST – Fox Sports 2
March 15 – vs. Israel – Noon EST – Fox Sports 2
3. United States – Manager Mark DeRosa built a great team under general manager Tony Reagins for the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Team USA is on a mission to win back-to-back WBC titles, having defeated Puerto Rico in last World Baseball Classic championship game in 2017. If they did it, USA would be the first team to go back-to-back since Japan won the first two World Baseball Classics in 2006 and 2009. Pitching Coach Andy Pettitte will have to adjust without Nestor Cortes and Clayton Kershaw on this year’s pitching staff. Adam Wainwright, Kyle Freeland, and Nick Martinez will have to step up for the starting rotation of Team USA. Mike Trout, Mookie Betts, and Tim Anderson will be key contributors to the offense of the United States in the World Baseball Classic.