Post by Commissioner Erick on Jul 8, 2020 10:51:51 GMT -5
GROUP A
1) United States:
The Case For: The United States has a collection of talent matched only by, perhaps, The Dominican Republic. All Stars litter the roster, and OSA believes the US has the best player in the tournament at five of the nine positions, plus the best starting pitching. Historically, Nolan Arenado has the highest WBC OPS and Michael Fulmer was last tournament's International Arm winner.
The Case Against: Perhaps two of the three best American players, Bryce Harper and Andrew Benintendi, will be sitting the tournament out. It's a weak draw, but it's theoretical that the United States offense can run dry in some games.
Top Three Talents:
RF: Seth Beer—Phillies: Back-to-Back NL MVP
SP: Noah Syndergaard—Rangers: Two-time NL Cy Young Award Winner.
SP: Marcus Stroman—Rangers: Four-Time All-Star
Colorado Connections: Nolan Arenado, Michael Fulmer, and Ken Giles
Arenado has been sensational in international play. He made the club in 2022, hit .429, slugged .1000, and had five home runs and 13 RBIs and the United States came home with a Gold Medal. Those 13 RBIs lead all Third Baseman in all World Baseball Classics.
Fulmer also made the club in 2022. He worked in two games, allowing no runs in 3.2 innings striking out seven. He was named the best pitcher in the tournament for his work.
Ken Giles made the team in 2020 and 2022. He struggled in 2020, allowing two runs in 3.1 innings and took one of the United States' two losses. He worked a scoreless inning in 2022.
Most Affiliated Franchise: Rockies, Rangers
2) South Korea
The Case For: The Koreans have never made it to the Semifinals, but have always advanced to the Second Round. This year's edition features a pitching-heavy club. Woo-Seok Ko was somehow released from LG, picked up by the Royals, and developed into a front-line arm in Seattle. He'll be one of the best pitchers in the tournament. Hyun-Lee Han is in the Top 10 in Strikeouts in the WBC, and the bullpen is deep and competent. The lineup is also competent with cleanup hitter Ja-wook Koo boasting a .302 average and 12 RBIs in 15 WBC Games.
The Case Against: The roster has a combined four home runs in WBC play, with scouts not surprised. The team may struggle against nations with advanced arms and good defense.
Top Three Talents:
SP: Woo-seok Ko—Mariners: Projected ace of Seattle Mariners
2B: Hyo-Jun Park—Yankees: Starting Second Baseman of 2023 Yankees ALCS team
RF: Ja-wook Koo—Samsung Lions (KOB): Two-time KBO Right Field Platinum Stick winner
Colorado Connections: None
Most Affiliated Franchise: Doosan, LG, Samsung
3) Nicaragua
The Case For: There are some live arms for a team that will be competing in the World Baseball Classic for the first time. Roniel Raudes was one of the best arms in the American League and Luis Esparza strikes out everything. With a good back-end of the bullpen, Nicaragua can win low-scoring games.
The Case Against: Nicaragua is pitching heavy as the best offensive player is either Angels washout Cheslor Cuthbert or Tigers flameout Dirty Tarin. As poor as the offense is, Nicaragua is worse defensively.
Top Three Talents:
SP: Roniel Raudes—Mariners: 1.00 Postseason ERA with Seattle last season
SP: Kevin Gadea—Free Agent: 3.2 PBA WAR
RP: Erasmo Martinez—Free Agent: 13-8, 4.82 Career PBA Record and ERA
Colorado Connections: Juan Moreno
A 2018 Scouting Discovery, Moreno has been a minor league Gold Glove Winner twice and an All-Star twice in his two professional seasons. His glove is top notch and he has a very fast bat for the low minors—maybe too fast, given his impatience. The WBC will be a great showcase for Moreno's bat against a wide array of pitching calibers.
Most Affiliated Franchise: Athletics
4) Netherlands Antillies
The Case For: There's some special defense on the infield with Andrelton Simmons, Ozzie Albies, and Kirvin Moesquit. The trio has combined for a pair of All-Star appearances and five Gold Gloves. Albies also led the American League in average last year. He could take over a game with his bat, glove, and speed and that gives the Netherlands Antillies a shot in any game.
The Case Against: The pitchers for the team have pitched 46.2 career WBC innings. They've allowed 81 earned runs. Their closer Igram Rijksen has allowed 22 runs in 8.1 innings, for a 22.36 ERA. In fact, all-time, the only pitcher to work more than a third of an inning and have an ERA under 5.02 is Jair Jurrjens, who pitched one inning for the team in the WBC in 2022 and retired afterwards. Even Kenley Jansen, the one year he pitched for the team, couldn't keep his ERA under 10.13.
Top Three Talents:
Ozzie Albies—Rangers: 2023 Second Base AL Platinum Stick Winner
Andrelton Simmons—Royals: Three-Time Gold Glove Winner
Kirvin Moesquit—Orioles: Former All-Star
Colorado Connections: None
Most Affiliated Franchise: Indians, Angels
5) Brazil
The Case For: There are a couple of arms who have done a decent job in the majors, namely Luiz Gohara and Bo Takahashi. With some big arms in the bullpen, they can follow the strategy of several teams in the division and win low-scoring games.
The Case Against: There's no depth to the pitching, and no punch to the offense. The best players still need time to develop, and the bottom of the roster would have trouble producing in the low minors, let alone the World Baseball Classic.
Top Three Talents:
RP Luiz Gohara—Blue Jays: Career 4.93 PBA ERA
RP: Bo Takahashi—White Sox: Career 4.01 PBA ERA
RF: Ezequiel Garay---Syracuse Chiefs (WAS AAA) 3.0 WAR in Triple-A International League last season
Colorado Connections: Silvestre Fialho, Reginaldo Mondril
Fialho, a 2021 scouting discovery, debuted last year and had a 2.93 ERA in pitcher-friendly St. Lawrence in the Canadian Rookie League. Nowhere close to developed, he'll nonetheless be a pitching option for the talent-starved Brazilians.
Mondril also debuted last year and had 1.0 WAR in the Dominican Rookie League in just 20 Games. He also hit .391 at Grand Junction and .333 in St. Lawrence in extremely limited samples. Mondril has a good glove and his bat has played in the low-minors, making him one of Brazil's more reliable options.
Most Affiliated Franchise: Blue Jays
6) Curacao
The Case For: Esteban Valdez is one of the most exciting arms in the game and Nelle Willemsen, with a swing as quick as a zipper, is a future PBA star. At a combined 39 years old, they represent an exciting future for Curacao baseball.
The Case Against: The talent level just isn't there. Curacao will struggle to score more than two runs a game, and it doesn’t have the pitching depth to hold up like some of the other rosters.
Top Three Talents:
RP: Esteban Valadez—Rangers: 116 Strikeouts in 116.1 innings in the minors last season
SP: Quint Penning—Las Vegas Aces (NYM AAA) 2.3 WAR in Double-A Eastern League last season
RF: Nelle Willemsen—Giants International Complex: #44 PBA Prospect
Colorado Connections: None
Most Affiliated Franchise: Numerous
GROUP B
1) Japan
The Case For: One of only three countries to win the WBC, Japan brings a loaded roster to this year's WBC. Their pitching staff will be led by Tomoyuki Sugano, an All-Star in all seven years of the Nippon Baseball League, The Most Outstanding Pitcher three of the past four Nippon League Seasons, and the World Baseball Classic All-Time Leader in wins along with Madison Bumgarner. The offense will be led by, Tomoya Mori, an MVP on two different continents and a lifetime .300 hitter in the WCB. Mori will be surrounded in the lineup by Yoshitomo Tsutsugo, a slugger who, like Mori, has been an All-Star in both Japan and the United States, and is also fifth in All Time Home Runs in the WBC.
The Case Against: With the exception of Sugano and Kodai Senga, none of the pitchers have experience in the World Baseball Classic. Past stalwarts like Masahiro Tanaka have retired, and stars like Shohei Otani and Toshiyuki Kurata declined invites this year.
Top Three Talents:
C: Tomoya Mori—Mariners: 2018 JPL MVP, 2023 AL MVP
SP: Tomoyuki Sugano—Mariners: Three-Time Nippon League Most Outstanding Pitcher
RF: Seiya Suzuki—Dodgers: Four Consecutive Nippon League MVPs
Colorado Connections: None
Most Affiliated Franchise: Hanshin
2) Cuba
The Case For: An aging empire, this will likely be the last stand for a number of key players. Aroldis Chapman may be the best reliever in the tournament, and Yoenis Cespedes and Jose Abreu still provide thump. Yunier Cano has been one of the Cuban League's finest arms, and carries a 2.29 career WBC ERA into the tournament. The lineup is competent top-to-bottom, which is a big boost for the non-elite franchises.
The Case Against: Numerous top players from their 2018 second-place finish have retired and their current stars are aging out. Remaining top players like Yoan Moncada and Lourdes Gurriel were curiously not selected to play, while Yordan Alvarez and Yusniel Diaz are injured. There's still talent, but Cuba isn't sending its A-squad.
Top Three Talents:
CL: Aroldis Chapman—Yankees: Four-Time All-Star
LF: Luis Robert—Twins: .818 OPS last full PBA Season in 2022
LF: Yoenis Cespedes—Phillies: Two-time Platinum Stick Award Winner
Colorado Connections: None
Most Affiliated Franchise: None
3) Colombia:
The Case For: The pitching staff is solid and there's a lot of defense on the roster, particularly on the infield. Bryan Martelo gives the team some power in the middle of the order.
The Case Against: It's a lot of Triple-A talent, not a lot of PBA Talent. The offense is lacking, and the team lacks true superstar potential, something that has prevented Colombia from ever reaching the Second Round of the WBC.
Top Three Talents:
SP: Jose Quintana—Reds: Lifetime 97-63, 3.80 PBA record.
RF: Bryan Martelo—Twins: Former PBA All-Star
RP: Juan Adame—Rockies: 3.28 ERA last season
Colorado Connections: Juan Adame, Dayan Diaz, Erick Julio
Juan Adame was a Rule-V pick for Colorado last year, spending the season as an underdeveloped long man. He still was replacement level as a 22-year-old and struck out 100 hitters in 82.1 innings. He'll be competing for a spot on the staff this year and a strong WBC will help his cause.
Diaz had his best season of his career at age 34. After being claimed on waivers from the Brewers in 2022, he worked to a 2.63 ERA down the stretch. Last year, he provided 1.7 WAR and a 3.06 ERA by allowing just two home runs in 67.2 innings. He'll provide some heat to the back of Colombia's bullpen.
Erick Julio was rocked in the WBC in 2020, but pitched well in 2022. He's been a solid Triple-A arm for three years and was replacement level in 10 starts for Colorado last season. An All-Star in three minor league levels, he likely won't be able to pitch well against the best offenses, but should hold his own against the non-Japanese teams in the group.
Most Affiliated Franchise: Numerous
4) Panama
The Case For: Panama went 0-6 its first two tournaments, but made it to the Second Round in 2022. The roster is trending upwards with a lot of extremely young talent beginning to mature. Jonathan Arauz is now in the prime of his career and as a 23-year-old in 2022 had a .476 average and three home runs in 26 Plate Appearances. He's a superstar who can carry the team against any pitcher.
The Case Against: Aside from Arauz, there isn't much high-end talent. Severino Gonzalez is the lone arm working in a league above the equivalent of Double A, which will put a lot of pressure on Korean League minor leaguer Frank Gil, and young Angels prospect Alfredo Santana.
Top Three Talents:
2B: Jonathan Arauz—Angels: 2022 Second Base International Bat Winner
2B: Javier Guerra—Indians: 57 career Home Runs in PBA
RP: Jaime Barra—Athletics: 3.76 ERA last season in 64.2 Innings.
Colorado Connections: None
Most Affiliated Franchise: Athletics
5) Canada
The Case For: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is a legitimate star who has had 40-plus home runs the past two seasons and can carry the roster. The pitching staff worked to a 3.59 ERA in 2022 and returns many key faces.
The Case Against: The roster is stuck between prospects who aren't ready yet, and over-the-hill veterans. Michael Saunders was good for Canada in the past and Kelyn Klattenburger will be in the future, but that doesn't lead someone to be there for Canada this year.
Top Three Talents:
RF: Vladimir Guerrero Jr.—Blue Jays: Last Season's Right Field Platinum Stick Winner
RP: Zack Pop—Tigers: Career 4.10 PBA ERA in 134 innings
RP: Rob Zastryzny—Mets: Career 2-0, 2.89 WBC record in 18.2 innings
Colorado Connections: None
Most Affiliated Franchise: None
6) Germany
The Case For: Max Kepler is a three-time All-Star and Bruce Maxwell is one of the tournament's best Catchers. Against a field that doesn't have frontline rotations, that may give Germany a chance.
The Case Against: Virtually none of the pitchers have experience above the extreme low minors, and there are very competent position players outside of the experienced PBA vets. It's hard to see the team playing competitively.
Top Three Talents
C: Bruce Maxwell—Diamondbacks: 2.3 PBA WAR last season
RF: Max Kepler—Mariners: Three-Time All Star
RF: Pascal Amon—Chattanooga Lookouts (MIN AA): Three-time Minor League All-Star
Colorado Connections: None
Most Affiliated Franchise: None
GROUP C
1) The Dominican Republic
The Case For: The DR may have the most talented team in the tournament, including The United States. The team's defense is exceptional and a phenomenal staff will be headed up by postseason breakout Osiris German and 2023 Cy Young Award Winner Franklyn Kilome. Anything less of a championship would be a disappointment.
The Case Against: The lineup is talented, but has a touch less firepower than they'd like. Emmanuel Tapia is the only premier slugger on the team, which could hurt the club against opponents with good pitching and defense.
Top Three Talents:
C: Francisco Mejia—Rangers: Five-Time All-Star
CL: Luis Contreras—Cardinals: National League-leading 48 saves last season
2B: Yunior Severino—Diamondbacks: 2023 All Star
Colorado Connections: None
Most Affiliated Franchise: Mariners
2) Mexico
The Case For: Bonkers Carrizales and Giovanny Gallegos anchor a very strong bullpen filled with up-and-coming arms. The defense will be among the best in the tournament. Luis Urias gives the offense a dynamic catalyst.
The Case Against: Mexico has never hit well in the tournament and doesn't have a high-impact offense. Mexican League legend Jose Aguilar retired and won't be able to assist his countrymen. The team has impact defenders who only produce with their gloves and not their bats.
Top Three Talents:
RP: Juan Carrizales—Cubs: PBA Leader in Postseason Games
RP: Giovanny Gallegos—Yankees: 1.44 ERA last season
2B: Luis Urias—Dodgers: Three-time All-Star
Colorado Connections: None
Most Affiliated Franchise: Padres, Orioles
3) Chinese Taipei
The Case For: A veteran team, Taiwan has some solid pitchers, a few excellent defenders, and several competent hitters in its roster.
The Case Against: There's no impact talent whatsoever. The team has fewer dregs than other low-level teams, but it doesn't have anybody who would move the needle, especially with Yu-Cheng Chang declining the invitation.
Top Three Talents:
SP: Jen-Ho Tseng—Free Agent (Formerly in Royals Organization): 13-9 Career PBA record
SP: Wei-Chung Wang—Free Agent (Formerly in Brewers Organization) Former Triple-A All-Star
3B: Chih-Chieh Su—Free Agent (Formerly in Marlins Organization) .333 Average in 12 WBC Games
Colorado Connections: Huai-yu Chen
Chen doesn't have great potential, but he crushed Grand Junction in 2022 in his first taste of professional ball, then crushed Asheville and Lancaster last season. He's been called up to Double-A for 2024, but will head to the WBC to provide leadership and power to a team that could use it.
Most Represented Franchise: None
4) Aruba
The Case For: Xander Bogaerts is a star who has produced in the past in big moments. He has an .862 postseason OPS and an .855 career WBC OPS and is good enough to carry a team. There are a handful of upper minors starting pitching that should keep the score close.
The Case Against: Outside of Bogaerts, the lineup is filled with rookie-league level talent. The starting staff is respectable, but the bullpen isn't. Close games could turn into blowouts late.
Top Three Talents:
2B: Xander Bogaerts—Cubs: NL Second Base Platinum Stick Award Winner last year.
RP: Gillian Wernet—No Team (Formerly in Orioles Organization) 23-16, 3.47 professional record
SP: Etienne Toet—Syracuse Chiefs (WAS AAA): #75 Prospect in PBA.
Colorado Connections: Kees Lenstra
Lenstra, a sinkerballing starter, got off to a rough start to begin his professional career, but has really taken off since 2021. He had a good year in Rookie League Grand Junction, earning an All-Star nod in the Pioneer League. He then moved to St. Lawrence in 2022 where his 1.81 ERA earned an All-Star nod. Last year, he struck out 168 hitters in 135 innings in the Cal League, earning an All-Star berth. He'll be a key player for Aruba and will work in Double-A for Colorado this season.
Most Represented Franchise: Reds
5) China
The Case For: It's a pretty good staff. Kwon Ju has been one of the better arms in the Korean League, while Jo Lon was an outstanding reliever for Philadelphia last year. On the whole, it's a staff that can keep the score low.
The Case Against: It's a brutal offense with only one respectable bat in the lineup. Almost as damning, China also has a terrible defensive roster which undermines the staff.
Top Three Talents:
RP: Jo Lon—Phillies: 1.59 ERA for Phillies last season
SP: Kwon Ju—kt Wiz: 1.38 WHIP led KBO last season
SP: Zhi-Peng Thum—Orioles: 4.11 ERA for Orioles in 35 innings last season
Colorado Connections: None
Most Represented Franchise: Phillies
6) Costa Rica
The Case For: There's good speed on the team so the Costa Ricans may be able to run around the bases and create runs even without a great offense.
The Case Against: It may be, top-to-bottom, the least talented team in the tournament. It's an incredibly young team, doesn't have any high-end talent, and will even need to rely on college players to round out the roster.
Top Three Talents:
SP: Luis Espinoza—Altoona Curve (PIT AA): Pitcher of the Year in 2021 in The New York Penn League
3B: Willem Gaynon—Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (MIA AA): .790 OPS in A-Ball last year and .806 OPS in High-A last year.
SP: Juan Romero—Arizona Padres (ARI R): Career 2.90 ERA in four Rookie League season.
Colorado Connections: None
Most Represented Franchise: Marlins, Angels
GROUP D
1) Venezuela
The Case For: Venezuela has a spectacular collection of young talent, with two pitchers who finished in the Top Three in Cy Young voting on the team as well as World Series MVP Juan Gestoso. Eight members of the starting nine have either been an All-Star, a Top 30 prospect, or in the Top Three in WBC MVP in the past.
The Case Against: There's a lot of young talent, but that talent hasn't matured yet and some of the veterans are on the wrong side of their careers. The team may be a favorite in 2026, but could be too young for this run.
Top Three Talents:
3B: Juan Gestoso—Diamondback: 2022 World Series MVP
C: Wilson Contreras—Cubs: Fourth most Postseason RBIs in PBA history
CL: Silvino Bracho—Diamondbacks: Tied for fourth-most Saves in PBA history
Colorado Connections: None
Most Represented Franchise: Braves
2) Puerto Rico
The Case For: The infield defense and back of the bullpen are each exceptional. The lineup is filled with hitters with good hit tools and speed and should be able to move runners around with balls-in-play.
The Case Against: There isn't a ton of power and the rotation is just okay. Against top run-prevention teams, it will be hard for Puerto Rico to put together big innings.
Top Three Talents:
SS: Francisco Lindor—Cubs: Shortstop Platinum Stick Winner All Seven Seasons of career.
CL: Edwin Diaz—Brewers: Five-time All Star
RP: Alex Claudio—Rangers: Lowest Postseason ERA in PBA History
Colorado Connections: None
Most Represented Franchise: Marlins
3) The Netherlands
The Case For: The Profar's Jurrickson and Juremi, plus Jonathan Schoop give The Netherlands a strong infield. The team has some excellent speedsters and #2 overall prospect Wessell Russchen gives the team a possible breakout player.
The Case Against: There are some interesting prospects, but they aren't close to being ready for primetime. The bullpen isn't deep, and the team has a stark deficit of power.
Top Three Talents:
CL: Kenley Jansen—Dodgers: Four-Time All Star
CF: Wessell Russchen—Twins: PBA #2 Prospect
2B: Jurrickson Profar—Tigers: Former All Star
Colorado Connections: None
Most Represented Franchise: None
4) Australia
The Case For: A strong veteran staff and excellent defense will keep Australia in most games and the team has some prospects who could do some damage.
The Case Against: The team's best players need more seasoning, and the team lacks patience or power. While the bullpen is good, the rotation is not strong.
Top Three Talents:
RP: Liam Hendriks—Athletics: 22 Saves in PBA last season
CL: Dean Aldridge—Nationals: 1.42 ERA, 0.79 WHIP in WBC
C: Jake Turnbull—Tokyo Yakult Swallows: Catcher Platinum Stick Award Winner in JCL Last Season.
Colorado Connections: None
Most Represented Franchise: None
5) Italy
The Case For: The bullpen is respectable and should be able to hold games in the rare case Italy has a lead.
The Case Against: The position player crop is desolate. Anthony Rizzo and Gavin Cecchini declined to play this year, and every other hitter with more than 10 at bats and a .250 average for Italy in WBC play has retired. To make matters worse, there may be three good defenders on the entire roster.
Top Three Talents:
RP: Adam Ottavino—Rockies: Most Holds in PBA History
RP: Nicolo Clemente—Louisville Bats (CIN AAA): 27-23, 3.66 Record in Minor League and Tournament Career.
RF: Marten Gasparini—San Antonio Missions (SD AA): Three-Time Texas League All Star
Colorado Connections: Adam Ottavino
Ottavino is in the twilight of his career and will be 38 this upcoming season. After a wonderful 2022, he declined in Colorado last year and is on the final season of a two-year contract. Colorado hopes to use him as a righty-specialist and Italy looks to use him as their main relief weapon.
Most Represented Franchise: None
6) South Africa
The Case For: With only four players on the roster older than 21-years-old, the team is too inexperienced to know how overmatched it is.
The Case Against: It's a painfully weak roster with whatever talent exists coming in the form of teenagers who are still developing. The best case is the experience is beneficial to a very young roster.
Top Three Talents:
RF: Ulrich Bojarski—Fukoko Softbank Ni-Gun Hawks (SB Minors): Nine career Home Runs in Japanese Minors
RP: Makabee Dingane—St. Lawrence Sea Fish of Death (COL R) 3-0, 1.89 ERA in Canadian Rookie LEague last year
SP: Masmud Chiwanda—Dominican League Red Sox (BOS R): 129 strikeouts in 135.1 Rookie League Innings
Colorado Connections: Makabee Dingane
Dingane was a 2021 Scouting Discovery who turned in an impressive rookie year, working to a 1.89 ERA and 1.08 WHIP. He has a big fastball and curveball that will at least put him on the radar of major league relief. Far from the low minors, the Rockies are excited to see how he fares on a stage like the WBC.
Most Represented Franchise: Twins, Giants,
1) United States:
The Case For: The United States has a collection of talent matched only by, perhaps, The Dominican Republic. All Stars litter the roster, and OSA believes the US has the best player in the tournament at five of the nine positions, plus the best starting pitching. Historically, Nolan Arenado has the highest WBC OPS and Michael Fulmer was last tournament's International Arm winner.
The Case Against: Perhaps two of the three best American players, Bryce Harper and Andrew Benintendi, will be sitting the tournament out. It's a weak draw, but it's theoretical that the United States offense can run dry in some games.
Top Three Talents:
RF: Seth Beer—Phillies: Back-to-Back NL MVP
SP: Noah Syndergaard—Rangers: Two-time NL Cy Young Award Winner.
SP: Marcus Stroman—Rangers: Four-Time All-Star
Colorado Connections: Nolan Arenado, Michael Fulmer, and Ken Giles
Arenado has been sensational in international play. He made the club in 2022, hit .429, slugged .1000, and had five home runs and 13 RBIs and the United States came home with a Gold Medal. Those 13 RBIs lead all Third Baseman in all World Baseball Classics.
Fulmer also made the club in 2022. He worked in two games, allowing no runs in 3.2 innings striking out seven. He was named the best pitcher in the tournament for his work.
Ken Giles made the team in 2020 and 2022. He struggled in 2020, allowing two runs in 3.1 innings and took one of the United States' two losses. He worked a scoreless inning in 2022.
Most Affiliated Franchise: Rockies, Rangers
2) South Korea
The Case For: The Koreans have never made it to the Semifinals, but have always advanced to the Second Round. This year's edition features a pitching-heavy club. Woo-Seok Ko was somehow released from LG, picked up by the Royals, and developed into a front-line arm in Seattle. He'll be one of the best pitchers in the tournament. Hyun-Lee Han is in the Top 10 in Strikeouts in the WBC, and the bullpen is deep and competent. The lineup is also competent with cleanup hitter Ja-wook Koo boasting a .302 average and 12 RBIs in 15 WBC Games.
The Case Against: The roster has a combined four home runs in WBC play, with scouts not surprised. The team may struggle against nations with advanced arms and good defense.
Top Three Talents:
SP: Woo-seok Ko—Mariners: Projected ace of Seattle Mariners
2B: Hyo-Jun Park—Yankees: Starting Second Baseman of 2023 Yankees ALCS team
RF: Ja-wook Koo—Samsung Lions (KOB): Two-time KBO Right Field Platinum Stick winner
Colorado Connections: None
Most Affiliated Franchise: Doosan, LG, Samsung
3) Nicaragua
The Case For: There are some live arms for a team that will be competing in the World Baseball Classic for the first time. Roniel Raudes was one of the best arms in the American League and Luis Esparza strikes out everything. With a good back-end of the bullpen, Nicaragua can win low-scoring games.
The Case Against: Nicaragua is pitching heavy as the best offensive player is either Angels washout Cheslor Cuthbert or Tigers flameout Dirty Tarin. As poor as the offense is, Nicaragua is worse defensively.
Top Three Talents:
SP: Roniel Raudes—Mariners: 1.00 Postseason ERA with Seattle last season
SP: Kevin Gadea—Free Agent: 3.2 PBA WAR
RP: Erasmo Martinez—Free Agent: 13-8, 4.82 Career PBA Record and ERA
Colorado Connections: Juan Moreno
A 2018 Scouting Discovery, Moreno has been a minor league Gold Glove Winner twice and an All-Star twice in his two professional seasons. His glove is top notch and he has a very fast bat for the low minors—maybe too fast, given his impatience. The WBC will be a great showcase for Moreno's bat against a wide array of pitching calibers.
Most Affiliated Franchise: Athletics
4) Netherlands Antillies
The Case For: There's some special defense on the infield with Andrelton Simmons, Ozzie Albies, and Kirvin Moesquit. The trio has combined for a pair of All-Star appearances and five Gold Gloves. Albies also led the American League in average last year. He could take over a game with his bat, glove, and speed and that gives the Netherlands Antillies a shot in any game.
The Case Against: The pitchers for the team have pitched 46.2 career WBC innings. They've allowed 81 earned runs. Their closer Igram Rijksen has allowed 22 runs in 8.1 innings, for a 22.36 ERA. In fact, all-time, the only pitcher to work more than a third of an inning and have an ERA under 5.02 is Jair Jurrjens, who pitched one inning for the team in the WBC in 2022 and retired afterwards. Even Kenley Jansen, the one year he pitched for the team, couldn't keep his ERA under 10.13.
Top Three Talents:
Ozzie Albies—Rangers: 2023 Second Base AL Platinum Stick Winner
Andrelton Simmons—Royals: Three-Time Gold Glove Winner
Kirvin Moesquit—Orioles: Former All-Star
Colorado Connections: None
Most Affiliated Franchise: Indians, Angels
5) Brazil
The Case For: There are a couple of arms who have done a decent job in the majors, namely Luiz Gohara and Bo Takahashi. With some big arms in the bullpen, they can follow the strategy of several teams in the division and win low-scoring games.
The Case Against: There's no depth to the pitching, and no punch to the offense. The best players still need time to develop, and the bottom of the roster would have trouble producing in the low minors, let alone the World Baseball Classic.
Top Three Talents:
RP Luiz Gohara—Blue Jays: Career 4.93 PBA ERA
RP: Bo Takahashi—White Sox: Career 4.01 PBA ERA
RF: Ezequiel Garay---Syracuse Chiefs (WAS AAA) 3.0 WAR in Triple-A International League last season
Colorado Connections: Silvestre Fialho, Reginaldo Mondril
Fialho, a 2021 scouting discovery, debuted last year and had a 2.93 ERA in pitcher-friendly St. Lawrence in the Canadian Rookie League. Nowhere close to developed, he'll nonetheless be a pitching option for the talent-starved Brazilians.
Mondril also debuted last year and had 1.0 WAR in the Dominican Rookie League in just 20 Games. He also hit .391 at Grand Junction and .333 in St. Lawrence in extremely limited samples. Mondril has a good glove and his bat has played in the low-minors, making him one of Brazil's more reliable options.
Most Affiliated Franchise: Blue Jays
6) Curacao
The Case For: Esteban Valdez is one of the most exciting arms in the game and Nelle Willemsen, with a swing as quick as a zipper, is a future PBA star. At a combined 39 years old, they represent an exciting future for Curacao baseball.
The Case Against: The talent level just isn't there. Curacao will struggle to score more than two runs a game, and it doesn’t have the pitching depth to hold up like some of the other rosters.
Top Three Talents:
RP: Esteban Valadez—Rangers: 116 Strikeouts in 116.1 innings in the minors last season
SP: Quint Penning—Las Vegas Aces (NYM AAA) 2.3 WAR in Double-A Eastern League last season
RF: Nelle Willemsen—Giants International Complex: #44 PBA Prospect
Colorado Connections: None
Most Affiliated Franchise: Numerous
GROUP B
1) Japan
The Case For: One of only three countries to win the WBC, Japan brings a loaded roster to this year's WBC. Their pitching staff will be led by Tomoyuki Sugano, an All-Star in all seven years of the Nippon Baseball League, The Most Outstanding Pitcher three of the past four Nippon League Seasons, and the World Baseball Classic All-Time Leader in wins along with Madison Bumgarner. The offense will be led by, Tomoya Mori, an MVP on two different continents and a lifetime .300 hitter in the WCB. Mori will be surrounded in the lineup by Yoshitomo Tsutsugo, a slugger who, like Mori, has been an All-Star in both Japan and the United States, and is also fifth in All Time Home Runs in the WBC.
The Case Against: With the exception of Sugano and Kodai Senga, none of the pitchers have experience in the World Baseball Classic. Past stalwarts like Masahiro Tanaka have retired, and stars like Shohei Otani and Toshiyuki Kurata declined invites this year.
Top Three Talents:
C: Tomoya Mori—Mariners: 2018 JPL MVP, 2023 AL MVP
SP: Tomoyuki Sugano—Mariners: Three-Time Nippon League Most Outstanding Pitcher
RF: Seiya Suzuki—Dodgers: Four Consecutive Nippon League MVPs
Colorado Connections: None
Most Affiliated Franchise: Hanshin
2) Cuba
The Case For: An aging empire, this will likely be the last stand for a number of key players. Aroldis Chapman may be the best reliever in the tournament, and Yoenis Cespedes and Jose Abreu still provide thump. Yunier Cano has been one of the Cuban League's finest arms, and carries a 2.29 career WBC ERA into the tournament. The lineup is competent top-to-bottom, which is a big boost for the non-elite franchises.
The Case Against: Numerous top players from their 2018 second-place finish have retired and their current stars are aging out. Remaining top players like Yoan Moncada and Lourdes Gurriel were curiously not selected to play, while Yordan Alvarez and Yusniel Diaz are injured. There's still talent, but Cuba isn't sending its A-squad.
Top Three Talents:
CL: Aroldis Chapman—Yankees: Four-Time All-Star
LF: Luis Robert—Twins: .818 OPS last full PBA Season in 2022
LF: Yoenis Cespedes—Phillies: Two-time Platinum Stick Award Winner
Colorado Connections: None
Most Affiliated Franchise: None
3) Colombia:
The Case For: The pitching staff is solid and there's a lot of defense on the roster, particularly on the infield. Bryan Martelo gives the team some power in the middle of the order.
The Case Against: It's a lot of Triple-A talent, not a lot of PBA Talent. The offense is lacking, and the team lacks true superstar potential, something that has prevented Colombia from ever reaching the Second Round of the WBC.
Top Three Talents:
SP: Jose Quintana—Reds: Lifetime 97-63, 3.80 PBA record.
RF: Bryan Martelo—Twins: Former PBA All-Star
RP: Juan Adame—Rockies: 3.28 ERA last season
Colorado Connections: Juan Adame, Dayan Diaz, Erick Julio
Juan Adame was a Rule-V pick for Colorado last year, spending the season as an underdeveloped long man. He still was replacement level as a 22-year-old and struck out 100 hitters in 82.1 innings. He'll be competing for a spot on the staff this year and a strong WBC will help his cause.
Diaz had his best season of his career at age 34. After being claimed on waivers from the Brewers in 2022, he worked to a 2.63 ERA down the stretch. Last year, he provided 1.7 WAR and a 3.06 ERA by allowing just two home runs in 67.2 innings. He'll provide some heat to the back of Colombia's bullpen.
Erick Julio was rocked in the WBC in 2020, but pitched well in 2022. He's been a solid Triple-A arm for three years and was replacement level in 10 starts for Colorado last season. An All-Star in three minor league levels, he likely won't be able to pitch well against the best offenses, but should hold his own against the non-Japanese teams in the group.
Most Affiliated Franchise: Numerous
4) Panama
The Case For: Panama went 0-6 its first two tournaments, but made it to the Second Round in 2022. The roster is trending upwards with a lot of extremely young talent beginning to mature. Jonathan Arauz is now in the prime of his career and as a 23-year-old in 2022 had a .476 average and three home runs in 26 Plate Appearances. He's a superstar who can carry the team against any pitcher.
The Case Against: Aside from Arauz, there isn't much high-end talent. Severino Gonzalez is the lone arm working in a league above the equivalent of Double A, which will put a lot of pressure on Korean League minor leaguer Frank Gil, and young Angels prospect Alfredo Santana.
Top Three Talents:
2B: Jonathan Arauz—Angels: 2022 Second Base International Bat Winner
2B: Javier Guerra—Indians: 57 career Home Runs in PBA
RP: Jaime Barra—Athletics: 3.76 ERA last season in 64.2 Innings.
Colorado Connections: None
Most Affiliated Franchise: Athletics
5) Canada
The Case For: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is a legitimate star who has had 40-plus home runs the past two seasons and can carry the roster. The pitching staff worked to a 3.59 ERA in 2022 and returns many key faces.
The Case Against: The roster is stuck between prospects who aren't ready yet, and over-the-hill veterans. Michael Saunders was good for Canada in the past and Kelyn Klattenburger will be in the future, but that doesn't lead someone to be there for Canada this year.
Top Three Talents:
RF: Vladimir Guerrero Jr.—Blue Jays: Last Season's Right Field Platinum Stick Winner
RP: Zack Pop—Tigers: Career 4.10 PBA ERA in 134 innings
RP: Rob Zastryzny—Mets: Career 2-0, 2.89 WBC record in 18.2 innings
Colorado Connections: None
Most Affiliated Franchise: None
6) Germany
The Case For: Max Kepler is a three-time All-Star and Bruce Maxwell is one of the tournament's best Catchers. Against a field that doesn't have frontline rotations, that may give Germany a chance.
The Case Against: Virtually none of the pitchers have experience above the extreme low minors, and there are very competent position players outside of the experienced PBA vets. It's hard to see the team playing competitively.
Top Three Talents
C: Bruce Maxwell—Diamondbacks: 2.3 PBA WAR last season
RF: Max Kepler—Mariners: Three-Time All Star
RF: Pascal Amon—Chattanooga Lookouts (MIN AA): Three-time Minor League All-Star
Colorado Connections: None
Most Affiliated Franchise: None
GROUP C
1) The Dominican Republic
The Case For: The DR may have the most talented team in the tournament, including The United States. The team's defense is exceptional and a phenomenal staff will be headed up by postseason breakout Osiris German and 2023 Cy Young Award Winner Franklyn Kilome. Anything less of a championship would be a disappointment.
The Case Against: The lineup is talented, but has a touch less firepower than they'd like. Emmanuel Tapia is the only premier slugger on the team, which could hurt the club against opponents with good pitching and defense.
Top Three Talents:
C: Francisco Mejia—Rangers: Five-Time All-Star
CL: Luis Contreras—Cardinals: National League-leading 48 saves last season
2B: Yunior Severino—Diamondbacks: 2023 All Star
Colorado Connections: None
Most Affiliated Franchise: Mariners
2) Mexico
The Case For: Bonkers Carrizales and Giovanny Gallegos anchor a very strong bullpen filled with up-and-coming arms. The defense will be among the best in the tournament. Luis Urias gives the offense a dynamic catalyst.
The Case Against: Mexico has never hit well in the tournament and doesn't have a high-impact offense. Mexican League legend Jose Aguilar retired and won't be able to assist his countrymen. The team has impact defenders who only produce with their gloves and not their bats.
Top Three Talents:
RP: Juan Carrizales—Cubs: PBA Leader in Postseason Games
RP: Giovanny Gallegos—Yankees: 1.44 ERA last season
2B: Luis Urias—Dodgers: Three-time All-Star
Colorado Connections: None
Most Affiliated Franchise: Padres, Orioles
3) Chinese Taipei
The Case For: A veteran team, Taiwan has some solid pitchers, a few excellent defenders, and several competent hitters in its roster.
The Case Against: There's no impact talent whatsoever. The team has fewer dregs than other low-level teams, but it doesn't have anybody who would move the needle, especially with Yu-Cheng Chang declining the invitation.
Top Three Talents:
SP: Jen-Ho Tseng—Free Agent (Formerly in Royals Organization): 13-9 Career PBA record
SP: Wei-Chung Wang—Free Agent (Formerly in Brewers Organization) Former Triple-A All-Star
3B: Chih-Chieh Su—Free Agent (Formerly in Marlins Organization) .333 Average in 12 WBC Games
Colorado Connections: Huai-yu Chen
Chen doesn't have great potential, but he crushed Grand Junction in 2022 in his first taste of professional ball, then crushed Asheville and Lancaster last season. He's been called up to Double-A for 2024, but will head to the WBC to provide leadership and power to a team that could use it.
Most Represented Franchise: None
4) Aruba
The Case For: Xander Bogaerts is a star who has produced in the past in big moments. He has an .862 postseason OPS and an .855 career WBC OPS and is good enough to carry a team. There are a handful of upper minors starting pitching that should keep the score close.
The Case Against: Outside of Bogaerts, the lineup is filled with rookie-league level talent. The starting staff is respectable, but the bullpen isn't. Close games could turn into blowouts late.
Top Three Talents:
2B: Xander Bogaerts—Cubs: NL Second Base Platinum Stick Award Winner last year.
RP: Gillian Wernet—No Team (Formerly in Orioles Organization) 23-16, 3.47 professional record
SP: Etienne Toet—Syracuse Chiefs (WAS AAA): #75 Prospect in PBA.
Colorado Connections: Kees Lenstra
Lenstra, a sinkerballing starter, got off to a rough start to begin his professional career, but has really taken off since 2021. He had a good year in Rookie League Grand Junction, earning an All-Star nod in the Pioneer League. He then moved to St. Lawrence in 2022 where his 1.81 ERA earned an All-Star nod. Last year, he struck out 168 hitters in 135 innings in the Cal League, earning an All-Star berth. He'll be a key player for Aruba and will work in Double-A for Colorado this season.
Most Represented Franchise: Reds
5) China
The Case For: It's a pretty good staff. Kwon Ju has been one of the better arms in the Korean League, while Jo Lon was an outstanding reliever for Philadelphia last year. On the whole, it's a staff that can keep the score low.
The Case Against: It's a brutal offense with only one respectable bat in the lineup. Almost as damning, China also has a terrible defensive roster which undermines the staff.
Top Three Talents:
RP: Jo Lon—Phillies: 1.59 ERA for Phillies last season
SP: Kwon Ju—kt Wiz: 1.38 WHIP led KBO last season
SP: Zhi-Peng Thum—Orioles: 4.11 ERA for Orioles in 35 innings last season
Colorado Connections: None
Most Represented Franchise: Phillies
6) Costa Rica
The Case For: There's good speed on the team so the Costa Ricans may be able to run around the bases and create runs even without a great offense.
The Case Against: It may be, top-to-bottom, the least talented team in the tournament. It's an incredibly young team, doesn't have any high-end talent, and will even need to rely on college players to round out the roster.
Top Three Talents:
SP: Luis Espinoza—Altoona Curve (PIT AA): Pitcher of the Year in 2021 in The New York Penn League
3B: Willem Gaynon—Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (MIA AA): .790 OPS in A-Ball last year and .806 OPS in High-A last year.
SP: Juan Romero—Arizona Padres (ARI R): Career 2.90 ERA in four Rookie League season.
Colorado Connections: None
Most Represented Franchise: Marlins, Angels
GROUP D
1) Venezuela
The Case For: Venezuela has a spectacular collection of young talent, with two pitchers who finished in the Top Three in Cy Young voting on the team as well as World Series MVP Juan Gestoso. Eight members of the starting nine have either been an All-Star, a Top 30 prospect, or in the Top Three in WBC MVP in the past.
The Case Against: There's a lot of young talent, but that talent hasn't matured yet and some of the veterans are on the wrong side of their careers. The team may be a favorite in 2026, but could be too young for this run.
Top Three Talents:
3B: Juan Gestoso—Diamondback: 2022 World Series MVP
C: Wilson Contreras—Cubs: Fourth most Postseason RBIs in PBA history
CL: Silvino Bracho—Diamondbacks: Tied for fourth-most Saves in PBA history
Colorado Connections: None
Most Represented Franchise: Braves
2) Puerto Rico
The Case For: The infield defense and back of the bullpen are each exceptional. The lineup is filled with hitters with good hit tools and speed and should be able to move runners around with balls-in-play.
The Case Against: There isn't a ton of power and the rotation is just okay. Against top run-prevention teams, it will be hard for Puerto Rico to put together big innings.
Top Three Talents:
SS: Francisco Lindor—Cubs: Shortstop Platinum Stick Winner All Seven Seasons of career.
CL: Edwin Diaz—Brewers: Five-time All Star
RP: Alex Claudio—Rangers: Lowest Postseason ERA in PBA History
Colorado Connections: None
Most Represented Franchise: Marlins
3) The Netherlands
The Case For: The Profar's Jurrickson and Juremi, plus Jonathan Schoop give The Netherlands a strong infield. The team has some excellent speedsters and #2 overall prospect Wessell Russchen gives the team a possible breakout player.
The Case Against: There are some interesting prospects, but they aren't close to being ready for primetime. The bullpen isn't deep, and the team has a stark deficit of power.
Top Three Talents:
CL: Kenley Jansen—Dodgers: Four-Time All Star
CF: Wessell Russchen—Twins: PBA #2 Prospect
2B: Jurrickson Profar—Tigers: Former All Star
Colorado Connections: None
Most Represented Franchise: None
4) Australia
The Case For: A strong veteran staff and excellent defense will keep Australia in most games and the team has some prospects who could do some damage.
The Case Against: The team's best players need more seasoning, and the team lacks patience or power. While the bullpen is good, the rotation is not strong.
Top Three Talents:
RP: Liam Hendriks—Athletics: 22 Saves in PBA last season
CL: Dean Aldridge—Nationals: 1.42 ERA, 0.79 WHIP in WBC
C: Jake Turnbull—Tokyo Yakult Swallows: Catcher Platinum Stick Award Winner in JCL Last Season.
Colorado Connections: None
Most Represented Franchise: None
5) Italy
The Case For: The bullpen is respectable and should be able to hold games in the rare case Italy has a lead.
The Case Against: The position player crop is desolate. Anthony Rizzo and Gavin Cecchini declined to play this year, and every other hitter with more than 10 at bats and a .250 average for Italy in WBC play has retired. To make matters worse, there may be three good defenders on the entire roster.
Top Three Talents:
RP: Adam Ottavino—Rockies: Most Holds in PBA History
RP: Nicolo Clemente—Louisville Bats (CIN AAA): 27-23, 3.66 Record in Minor League and Tournament Career.
RF: Marten Gasparini—San Antonio Missions (SD AA): Three-Time Texas League All Star
Colorado Connections: Adam Ottavino
Ottavino is in the twilight of his career and will be 38 this upcoming season. After a wonderful 2022, he declined in Colorado last year and is on the final season of a two-year contract. Colorado hopes to use him as a righty-specialist and Italy looks to use him as their main relief weapon.
Most Represented Franchise: None
6) South Africa
The Case For: With only four players on the roster older than 21-years-old, the team is too inexperienced to know how overmatched it is.
The Case Against: It's a painfully weak roster with whatever talent exists coming in the form of teenagers who are still developing. The best case is the experience is beneficial to a very young roster.
Top Three Talents:
RF: Ulrich Bojarski—Fukoko Softbank Ni-Gun Hawks (SB Minors): Nine career Home Runs in Japanese Minors
RP: Makabee Dingane—St. Lawrence Sea Fish of Death (COL R) 3-0, 1.89 ERA in Canadian Rookie LEague last year
SP: Masmud Chiwanda—Dominican League Red Sox (BOS R): 129 strikeouts in 135.1 Rookie League Innings
Colorado Connections: Makabee Dingane
Dingane was a 2021 Scouting Discovery who turned in an impressive rookie year, working to a 1.89 ERA and 1.08 WHIP. He has a big fastball and curveball that will at least put him on the radar of major league relief. Far from the low minors, the Rockies are excited to see how he fares on a stage like the WBC.
Most Represented Franchise: Twins, Giants,