MLB players from Cuba allowed to represent home country in WBC

The United States will permit Major League Baseball players from Cuba to represent their home country in the World Baseball Classic next year.

The decision announced Saturday in a news release by the Baseball Federation of Cuba (FCB) could be a big step in once again turning Cuba’s national team into heavy hitters on an international stage.

Major League Baseball confirmed Monday that the U.S. granted the license to FCB. It clears the way for MLB stars such as Jose Abreu, Yordan Alvarez, Randy Arozarena, Yoan Moncada and Luis Robert to play for Cuba in the WBC in March if they choose to accept a potential invitation.

It’s up to each country’s national governing body to pick the players on its WBC team. Final 30-man rosters are due Feb. 7 for the WBC, which begins March 8 with Cuba facing the Netherlands in Taiwan.

World Baseball Classic tournament pools finalized

When the World Baseball Classic begins in March, three teams will be playing in the tournament for the very first time and a fourth will be playing in its first since 2009.

On Monday afternoon, we learned where exactly those teams will play.

Great Britain qualifies for first World Baseball Classic

Fab!

The third time was the charm for Great Britain and the World Baseball Classic.

After failing to qualify for the 2013 and 2017 tournament, the British National Team made certain that would not be an issue. They scored a come from behind 10-9 victory in ten innings over Spain on Tuesday to punch their ticket to their first ever berth in the WBC.

Great Britain had needed a bit of magic to get the clinching win. Blue Jays minor league outfielder Jaden Rudd hit a game tying homer in the bottom of the ninth while Alex Crosby, who has spent the past eight years in the independent leagues, hit a walk-off sacrifice fly.

The British National Team has some intriguing players on the roster already. Mariners prospect Harry Ford made his presence felt with three homers in the Qualifying Round. Pirates prospect Tahnaj Thomas has a plus-plus fastball that can hit triple digits, although he has struggled with his command when throwing that hard.

There are also several former major leaguers that suited up for Great Britain. Vance Worley, Michael Roth, Chris Reed, and Akeel Morris all saw time in the majors, with Worley having the most extensive experience.

Team USA World Baseball Classic roster: Mookie Betts, Pete Alonso committed; Ken Griffey Jr. on coaching staff

On Aug. 19, GM Tony Reagins announced longtime big leaguer Mark DeRosa will serve as USA’s manager for the 2023 WBC. DeRosa played for USA in the 2009 WBC and has worked as an MLB Network analyst since retiring as a player in Nov. 2013.

“I’m completely honored and humbled to be named the manager of Team USA,” DeRosa said in a statement. “Competing in the 2009 World Baseball Classic for Team USA was one of the greatest experiences of my baseball journey. Getting the chance to lead this star-studded roster and represent our country is an opportunity of a lifetime, and I can’t wait to get started.”

DeRosa’s coaching staff will include bench coach Jerry Manuel, hitting coach Ken Griffey Jr., pitching coach Andy Pettitte, first base coach Lou Collier, third base coach Dino Ebel, and bullpen coach Dave Righetti. Manuel managed nine years in the big leagues and Griffey played for USA in the inaugural 2006 WBC. Righetti was the pitching coach for the 2010, 2012, and 2014 World Series champion Giants.

OF: Mike Trout
OF: Mookie Betts
OF: Bryce Harper
1B: Paul Goldschmidt
2B: Trevor Story
SS: Tim Anderson
3B: Nolan Arenado
C: J.T. Realmuto
DH: Pete Alonso