The World Baseball Traditional returns for the primary time since 2017, when the USA gained decisively. The 20-team event, scheduled March 7-21, consists of well-established main leaguers in addition to gamers not acquainted to followers in the USA. The event host cities are Tokyo, Phoenix, Miami and Taichung, Taiwan.
Listed here are 10 gamers to look at within the upcoming occasion.
Wander Franco | Rays shortstop (Dominican Republic)
MLB’s former No. 1 prospect made headlines when he joined the present in 2021, slashing .288/.347/.463 with seven residence runs and 39 RBI in 70 video games. His robust play led to him signing an 11-year, $182 million contract with the Rays, however due to accidents, he solely performed in 83 video games final season. “I all the time needed to go to the Traditional, whatever the accidents I had,” Franco mentioned, per MLB.com.
Bobby Witt Jr. | Royals 3B (USA)
The previous high MLB prospect was one of many Royals’ few shiny spots in 2022. He had a good rookie season, slashing .254/.294/.428 with 20 residence runs and 80 RBI. On a U.S. workforce that’s stacked with expertise — together with Mike Trout and Mookie Betts — he may fly below the radar. Witt’s dad performed for the U.S. silver medalists on the 1984 Olympics when baseball was an indication sport.
Munetaka Murakami | Tokyo Yakult Swallows 3B (Japan)
The 23-year-old third baseman is a star in Japan, an influence hitter who slugged 56 residence runs in 141 video games final season. Murakami is an distinctive fielder and nice contact hitter. Whereas he should still be just a few years away from the MLB, he is certain to impress scouts and followers on the event. Try his epic blast off Yu Darvish throughout WBC prep.
