Post by Commissioner Erick on Mar 16, 2023 7:10:52 GMT -5
Group A
1) Panama
Group Play Record: 16-9
The Case For: Panama is a veteran team with good infielders, an ace for the tournament in Sergio Arellano, and is coming off a 6-0 2028 tournament that only saw tiebreakers from a 2-1 second round keep them out of the quarterfinals.
The Case Against: There’s a lack of high-end talent on the team. Panama should cruise in group play, but may struggle to make it to the quarterfinals.
Top 3 Talents:
2B: Jonathan Arauz—2025 NL Platinum Stick Award Winner
SP: Sergio Arellano—3.3 WAR as rookie for Orioles in 2029
SS: Allen Cordoba—2029 EUR All-Star
Top WBC Career WAR
2B: Jonathan Arauz—34 G, 143 PA, 1.2 WAR (.276/5/17) 20 R, 2 SB
SP Sergio Arellano—5 G, 3 GS, 13.2 IP 0.4 WAR (2-1, 4.61) 1 SV, 3 BB, 16 K
Least WBC Career WAR
1B: Edwardo Ramon—9 G, 26 PA (.154/1/2) 0 BB, 2 K—3rd in 2029 Canadian Rookie League MVP
RP: Gilberto Chu—3 G, 1 GS, 12.2 IP, 0.1 WAR (1-0, 2.13) 7 BB, 11 K—1.04 ERA for Spain in Meridian League last year
Random Fact: Panama has the most WBC wins for any team that has not made the second round
2) Curacao
Group Play Record: 5-11
The Case For: Zipper Willemsen is a star and the team has some decent prospects who can make a mark
The Case Against: The pitching is dreadful, and there are few established players outside Zipper
Top 3 Talents
RF: Nelle Willemsen—2029 NLDS MVP
SS: Noud Brower—2028 FSL All-Star
C: Maurice Machielse—2028 and 2029 Minor League champion in Giants system
Top WBC Career WAR
RF: Nelle Willemsen—20 G, 80 PA, 0.7 (.286/4/8) 4 2B, 10 BB, 10 K
SP: Quint Penning—6 G, 6 GS, 31.1 IP, 1.2 WAR (2-3, 1.44) 0 HRA, 31 K—2-Time PCL All-Star
Least WBC Career WAR
RF: Riemer Koot—20 G, 71 PA, -0.5 WAR (.200/2/9) -1.6 RF Zone Rating—2028 SAL All Star
RP: Max Hoevers—4 G, 0 GS, 7.2 IP, 0.1 WAR (0-0, 1.17) 2 SV, 2 K—-7.1 WAR in 2029 for Buies Creek in Carolina League
Random Fact: Despite fewer innings, Penning has more career WBC WAR than PBA Cy Young winner Esteban Valdez. The Rangers great will sit out this tournament instead of looking to improve upon his 3-1 record.
3) China
Group Play Record: 3-13
The Case For: The pitching should hold up and Hou-Kang Ang is a PBA player
The Case Against: It’s a miserable offense that will struggle to score
Top 3 Talents
SS: Hou-Kang Ang—1.3 WAR as rookie for Marlins last year
SS: Wing-chiu Chia—#70 DAHL Prospect
RP: Jo Lon—3.44 career PBA ERA
Top WBC Career WAR
LF: Si-dao Wong—16 G, 66 PA, 0.1 WAR (.213/4/11) 3 BB, 24 K—.969 OPS for China in 2028 WBC
RP: Jo Lon—4 G, 1 GS, 7.2 IP, -0.1 WAR (0-1, 4.70) 1 SV
Least WBC Career WAR
SS: Wing-chiu Chia—10 G, 39 PA, -0.7 WAR (.189/1/4) 1 BB, 18 K, -5.0 Zone Rating
RP: Man Ban—4 G, 0 GS, 4.2 IP, -0.6 WAR (0-1, 27.00) 13 BB, 2 K, .478 Opponent Average—60 career Rookie League strikeouts
Random Fact: Of the 37 players who have played for the Chinese National Team, 12 have positive WARs. None of the 12 will be playing in this tournament.
4) Honduras
Group Play Record: 3-3
The Case For: Jordan Alejandre and David Labrador give Honduras legitimate PBA talent
The Case Against: Honduras will be playing with only 15 men, including just one natural infielder
Top 3 Talents
LF: Jordan Alejandre—27 career PBA home runs in 453 plate appearances
SP: David Labrador—1.6 career PBA WAR
RF: Armando Mejia—2029 FSL Platinum Stick Winner
Top WBC Career WAR
LF: Jordan Alejandre—6 G, 28 PA, 0.7 WAR (.429/2/6) 3 2B, 6 R, 6 BB,
SP: Jorge Navarro—2 G, 2 GS, 8.2 IP, 0.1 WAR (0-1, 7.27) 12 H—2029 AFR All-Star
Least WBC Career WAR
RF: Armando Mejia—6 G, 6 GS, 26 PA, -0.2 WAR (.111/0/1) .111 SLG
SP: Nelson Soto—1 G, 1 GS, 4.2 IP, -0.1 WAR (0-1, 1.93) 7 BB, 2 K—14-29 career minor league record
Random Fact: 19 of 34 Hondurans declined to play for the team this year
Group B
1) Dominican Republic
Group Play Record: 22-3
The Case For: The Dominican Republic has elite infield defense, great power, an ace in Luis Detres, and an excellent bullpen. They’ve made the championship game four of the six WBCs
The Case Against: There isn’t a ton of pitching depth and there are some underwhelming hitters. It may hurt them in the wrong matchup in the semifinals.
Top 3 Talents
SS: Luis Retana—2029 AL MVP
SP: Luis Detres—2028 NL Rookie of the Year
1B: Rodolfo Rivera—2029 NL MVP
Top WBC Career WAR
3B: Orlando Arcia—45 G, 220 PA, 2.9 WAR (.346/7/30) 12 2B, 28 BB, 29 K, 10-10 SB—4 Time NL All Star
SP: Jeifry Nunez—10 G, 6 GS, 42 IP, 1.7 WAR (2-1, 2.79) 7 BB, 53 K, .143 Opponent Average—2024 AL All Star
Least WBC Career WAR
C: Juan Herrera—2 G, 5 PA, -0.0 WAR (.200/0/1)—13.4 FRM in 2029
RP: Anyelo Luna—6 G, 0 GS, 8.1 IP, 0.2 WAR (1-0, 2.16) 0 HR, 9 K—3 Time AL All Star
Random Fact: Orlando Arcia is the all-time WBC leader in hits, runs, and doubles, and is second in games played
2) Aruba
Group Play Record: 6-10
The Case For: Aruba’s starting pitching can strike out enough guys to get to the second round
The Case Against: Aruba has an impotent offense that scored only 14 runs in six games last WBC
Top 3 Talents
SP: Govaart van den Heuvel—165 strikeouts with Mets last season
RP: Kees Lenstra—128 strikeouts for Algeria Potros last season
CL: Ulbert Maasdam—1.62 career Southern League ERA
Top WBC Career WAR
SS: Gerwin Schoonen—12 G, 48 PA, 0.3 WAR (.244/0/1) 3-3 SB—113 career minor league stolen bases
SP: Govaart van den Heuvel—3 G, 3 GS, 12 IP, 0.8 WAR (0-0, 0.75) 1 BB, 20 K
Least WBC Career WAR
CF: Quido van Velzen—16 G, 58 PA, -0.7 WAR (.164/0/4) 2 BB, 10 K—2025 WISL All-Star
RP: Jorge Bejerano—3 G, 1 GS, 8 IP, -0.4 WAR (0-1, 12.38) 4 HRA 2 K—0.8 WAR in Double-A last year
Random Fact: Aruba has scored only 42 runs in 16 career WBC games.
3) Jamaica
Group Play Record: 2-4
The Case For: There are some huge pitching prospects for Jamaica, including White Sox farmhand Joe Anderson and Oklahoma State Junior Kareem Oluniide
The Case Against: It’s an extremely young team with raw teenagers forced into many important roles
Top 3 Talents
RP: Griff Newble—2.80 career DAHL ERA
RP: Jayden Valmarry—2028 PCL All Star
SP: Joe Anderson—#26 PBA Prospect
Top WBC Career WAR
1B Chris Albutt—6 G, 27 PA, 0.2 WAR (.292/1/1) 4 R, 4 2B—61 Double-A 2B
RP: Griff Newble—2 G, 2 GS, 17 IP, 0.3 WAR (0-2, 3.18) 2 CG
Least WBC Career WAR
SS: Nicholas Stanton—6 G, 23 PA, -0.5 WAR (.091/0/1) 6 K—1.6 WAR in Rookie Ball last year
SP: Quincy Patton—2 G, 1 GS, 5 IP (0-1, 7.20) 8 BB, 3 K, .400 Opponent Average—No other professional history
Random Fact: Griff Newble and Michael Pineda are the only pitchers with multiple Complete Games in a single WBC
4) New Zealand
Group Play Record: 0-6
The Case For: The pitchers should be able to get some strikeouts, which could be enough in a weaker group
The Case Against: A Catcher will have to play the outfield
Top 3 Talents
RP: Edwin Thompson—72 K in 57 career IP for Atlanta Braves
RF: Jarod Dethridge—2028 WBC Global Glove
SP: Brendon Stobbie—2027 CAL League Pitcher of Year runner up
Top WBC Career WAR
1B: Carlos Youngberry—6 G, 22 PA, 0.1 WAR (.273/1/1) 2 2B—.782 Rookie League OPS
SP: Brendon Stobbie—2 G, 2 GS, 9.2 IP, 0.3 WAR (0-2, 4.66) 0 BB, 10 K
Least WBC Career WAR
SS: Sam Hodge—6 G, 18 PA, -0.6 WAR (.059/0/0) 8 K, -3.3 ZR—2.0 career minor league WAR
SP: Lou Gibbs—2 G, 0 GS, 3.2 IP, -0.1 WAR (0-0, 4.91) .438 Opponent Average—High School Senior in Mexican League
Random Fact: 9 of 11 position players on 2028 team had negative WAR
Group C
1) Cuba
Group Play Record: 15-10
The Case For: Cuba has competent position players everywhere, giving the team a high floor.
The Case Against: The pitching staff is very poor. Cuba may not be a quarterfinalist as a result.
Top 3 Talents
RF: Jorge Ramos—2028 NL All Star
RP: Arturo Aparicio—2-0, 3 Saves, 3.77 ERA for Cardinals in 2028
RP: Juan Bejerano—2025 Cuban League Most Outstanding Pitcher third place
Top WBC Career WAR
SS: Ignacio Huicochea—10 G, 46 PA, 0.6 WAR (.282/1/6) 10 R—2029 CUB Platinum Stick Winner
RP: Carlos Sierra—5 G, 0 GS, 10.1 IP, 0.6 WAR (2-0, 1.74) 1 BB, 20 K, .139 Opponent Average—2020 3rd Place WBC World Relief Award
Least WBC Career WAR
CF: Jorge Torrez—5 G, 8 PA, -0.0 WAR (.143/0/0) 1 R, 1 BB—2029 CUB Quarterfinals, Semifinals, World Series MVP
SP: Juan Miranda—3 G, 2 GS, 13 IP, -0.0 WAR (1-1, 3.46) 2 HRA, 6 BB—Career 20-14, 3.30 ERA in CUB
Random Fact: Cuba has 9 position players who played in the PBA and have negative career WBC WAR
2) South Africa
Group Play Record: 4-12
The Case For: South Africa has solid outfielders, which could be enough to take second in a weak group
The Case Against: The team is very young and only has one real pitcher, and one natural infielder
Top 3 Talents
RP: Makabee Dingane—6-4, 4.27 career ERA with Rockies
CF: Wilfried Baan—2-time Minor League All-Star with Brewers
CF: Khamis Masya—No Professional History
Top WBC Career WAR
CF: Umar Jengo—16 G, 62 PA, 0.8 WAR (.259/2/4) 7 R, 7-7 SB—3-Time Minor League Best Fielder with Nationals
RP: Masmud Chiwanda—6 G, 4 GS, 32.2 IP, 1.2 WAR (2-1, 2.48) 35 K, .213 Opponent Average, 64% FB rate
Least WBC Career WAR
C: Xamida Kagwa—5 G, 16 PA, -0.1 WAR (.125/0/0)—College Senior at Georgia Southern
RP: Makabee Dingane—4 G, 1 GS, 6.2 IP, -0.3 WAR (0-2, 14.85) 11 H, 8 BB, 2.85 WHIP
Random Fact: Umar Jengo and Orlando Arcia are the only players with at least 7 WBC steals without getting caught and multiple homers.
3) El Salvador
Group Play Record: 0-6
The Case for: The team has a solid starting staff and enough hitters to be a threat to South Africa and El Salvador
The Case Against: There’s only one balanced hitter and the defense and middle relief will be a disaster
Top 3 Talents
1B: Juan Yanes—2027 FSL Platinum Stick
SP: Jonathan Guarneros—438 career minor league strikeouts in 355.2 innings with Indians
3B: Antonio Soto—#14 Ranked Prospect
Top WBC Career WAR
1B: Juan Yanes—6 G, 24 PA, 0.5 WAR (.353/0/0) 4 2B, 4 BB, 3 R
RP: Luis Villa—2 G, 2 GS, 8.1 IP, 0.1 WAR (0-2, 5.40) 5 BB, 6 K—2-time Minor League All Star with Phillies
Least WBC Career WAR
1B: Vinny Lopez—6 G, 15 PA, -0.2 WAR (.077/0/1)—2029 NYPL Platinum Stick
SP: Carlos Guerrero—3 G, 0 GS, 3.1 IP, -0.4 WAR (0-0, 13.50) 7 H, 2 HRA, 5 BB—No professional experience
Random Fact: El Salvador is still awaiting its first WBC home run and stolen base
4) Virgin Islands
Group Play Record: 0-6
The Case For: Dermott Brugwin and Les Lovell may be the best players in the group not playing for Cuba
The Case Against: There are maybe five players that wouldn’t look out of place above rookie ball.
Top 3 Talents
1B: Dermott Brugwin—2026 CAR All-Star
LF: Les Lovell—1.8 WAR as rookie for Rays last year
RP: Micah Coles—2026 SAL All-Star
Top WBC Career WAR
1B: Dermott Brugwin—6 G, 20 PA, 0.1 WAR, (.263/0/0) 1-1 SB
SP: Louie King—2 G, 0 GS, 3 IP, 0.1 WAR (0-0, 0.00) 0 BB, 3 K—No professional experience
Least WBC career WAR
LF: Les Lovell—6 G, 24 PA, -0.4 WAR (.043/0/1) -0.4 ZR
RP: Alexander Hunter—3 G, 0 GS, 4.2 IP, -0.4 WAR (0-0, 17.36) 10 H, 6 BB—9-4, 7 Saves, 7.83 career Minor League record with A’s
Random Fact: The Virgin Islands scored 4 runs and allowed 59 in the 2028 WBC, easily the tournament’s worst showing.
Group D
1) Mexico
Group Play Record: 18-7
The Case For: Solid pitching and good defense can get them to the quarterfinals
The Case Against: It’s not a great lineup and there aren’t top-notch arms, which could hurt Mexico against better teams
Top 3 Talents
2B: Luis Urias—3-Time Platinum Stick Winner
CF: Humberto Camacho—2028 AL All Star
RP: Sergio Ramirez—221 strikeouts in 222.2 career innings with Indians
Top WBC Career WAR
CF: Humberto Camacho—25 G, 107 PA, 1.0 WAR (.261/3/15) 17 R
SP: Juan Vasquez—1 G, 1 GS, 5 IP, 0.2 WAR (0-0, 0.00) 1 BB, 5 K—2-Time EL All-Star
Least WBC Career WAR
CF: Arturo Ortega—8 G, 23 PA, -0.1 WAR (.091/0/2) 2 GIDP—2026 LMB Platinum Stick
SP: Juan Betancourt—7 G, 2 GS, 17 IP, -0.1 WAR (2-1, 3.71) 3 HRA, 10 BB, 17 K—2026 PCL AC Reliever of the Year Runner Up
Random Fact: Mexico has the most wins of any team to never win a WBC championship
2) Colombia
Group Play Record: 13-12
The Case For: Good pitching and defense make Colombia a respectable outfit
The Case Against: There are no sluggers on the outfit, which will damper Colombia’s chances against better opponents
Top 3 Talents
SP: Juan Alaniz—31-14, 4.08 career record with Red Sox
RF: Andres Perez—College Junior at Florida State University
C: Roger Marmol—2024 DAHL Platinum Stick Award
Top WBC Career WAR
C: Roger Marmol—4 G, 16 PA, 0.2 WAR (.167/0/1) 4 BB, 3 K
SP: Juan Alaniz—6 G, 4 GS, 0.7 WAR (1-0, 1.27) 17 K
Least WBC Career WAR
SS: Dave Oliva—7 G, 27 PA, -0.0 WAR (.130/0/2) 4 BB, 12 K—2028 TEX Platinum Stick Award
RP: Luis Patino—6 G, 2 GS, 21 IP, 0.2 WAR (2-0, 3.43) 11 BB, 19 K—2-Time TEX All-Star
Random Fact: Bryan Martelo has the most games played for Colombia, but despite being an AL All Star, hit only .194 in WBC play
3) Nicaragua
The Case For: Alfredo Estevez is a star that can shut down any lineup
The Case Against: The staff is weak aside from Estevez and there are a lot of weak spots in the lineup
Top 3 Talents
SP: Alfredo Estevez—2029 NL All Star
SP: Roniel Raudes—45-47, 4.40 Career PBA record in 838.2 innings
RP: Dilmer Mejia—4.71 Career PBA record in 114.2 innings
Top WBC Career WAR
CF: Juan Rosa—19 G, 78 PA, 0.7 WAR (.265/2/7) 9 R, 4-6 SB—10 SB in 127 career PBA games with Mets
SP: Roniel Raudes—5 G, 5 GS, 30.1 IP, 0.6 WAR (2-3, 3.86) 4 BB, 26 K
Least WBC Career WAR
RF: Juan Moreno—19 G, 76 PA, -0.1 WAR (.186/1/3) 4 BB, 10 K, 3-4 SB—1.4 WAR, 74 career games with Royals
CL: Juan Botello—5 G, 1 GS, 7.2 IP, -0.2 WAR (0-1, 11.74)
Random Fact: Alfredo Estevez did not allow a run in 3 starts in the 2028 tournament
4) The Philippines
The Case For: Daniel Reginalde is a PBA-caliber Catcher who can do some damage at the plate
The Case Against: The team has six position players
Top 3 Talents
C: Daniel Reginalde—0.5 career WAR with Padres in 49 games
RF: Joey Meneses—.956 OPS in 2028 WBC
RP: Murugayan Elemia—1.2 career Minor League WAR with Cubs
Top WBC Career WAR
3B: Ronman Kayaba—9 G, 36 PA, 0.5 (.324/1/5) 2 2B, 4 R—.832 OPS in 2028 WBC
RP: Edilberto Esperenzilla—6 G, 0 GS, 9.1 IP, 0.4 (2-1, 7.45) 11 H, 0 HRA, 4 BB, 9 K—2.77 ERA in FSL
Least WBC Career WAR
C: Jaicus Causing—9 G, 39 PA, -0.2 WAR (.147/2/3) 0 BB, 7 K—2-time Minor League All Star
RP: Rizaldo Sauler—3 G, 0 GS, 4 IP, -0.2 WAR (0-0, 9.00) 3 BB, 5 K, .412 Opponent average—1.69 CUB career ERA
Random Fact: Despite allowing 60 runs, The Philippines’ group was so weak that it won with a 4-2 record and a -32 run differential. They even beat Mexico in a second round game.
Group E
1) Japan
Group Play Record: 18-7
The Case For: Japan has a talented, deep pitching staff and a fantastic defense. It will be rough for opponents to score off them
The Case Against: A lack of top-tier hitters could cause them to struggle offensively
Top 3 Talents
RF: Ichisake Ochiai—3-time AL Platinum Stick Award
SP: Yushi Harada—5.6 Career WAR in 286 innings with Yankees
RP: Shigeyoshi Haramoto—5-Time DAHL All Star
Top WBC Career WAR
C: Tomoya Mori—38 G, 165 PA, 0.9 WAR (.239/7/27) 18 BB—DAHL MVP, AL MVP
SP: Yushi Harada—2 G, 2 GS, 9 IP, 0.2 WAR (0-0, 2.00) 6 K, 0 HRA
Least WBC Career WAR
2B: Ryo Watanabe—12 G, 38 PA, -0.3 WAR (.167/0/0) 5 R, 1-2 SB—4-Time DAHL All Star
RP: Shigeyoshi Haramoto—1 G, 0 GS, 2 IP, -0.2 WAR (0-0, 9.00) 1 HRA
Random Fact: Of the 44 games Japan has played in the WBC, only two are started by players on the current roster. It’s a brand new staff
2) Venezuela
Group Play Record: 18-7
The Case For: The defending champions, Venezuela boasts a talented roster led by Daniel Flores.
The Case Against: Most of the team’s stars turned down an invitation, leaving the team shy of the best players that fueled its 2028 title.
Top 3 Talents
C: Daniel Flores—2025 NL Platinum Stick Award
1B: Gleyber Torres—4-Time AL All Star
SP: Laurenti Baffi—3.2 career WAR in 184 innings
Top WBC Career WAR
2B: Rougned Odor—15 G, 56 PA, 1.0 WAR (.404/4/10) 4 2B, 9 R—2-Time AL Platinum Stick Award
SP: German Marquez—17 G, 5 GS, 48.1 IP, 1.2 WAR (4-2, 2.05) 10 BB, 52 K—2023 NL Gold Glove
Least WBC Career WAR
3B: Luis Picon—7 G, 10 PA, -0.1 WAR (.200/0/0) 1 R—3.9 career WAR in 274 games
SP: Laurente Baffi—6 G, 0 GS, 9.1 IP, -0.2 WAR (0-0, 3.86) 4 SV, 6 BB, 13 K, 2 HRA
Random Fact: Venezuela will be playing without Juan Gestoso who has an all-time WBC best 23 steals in 24 attempts
3) The Netherlands
Group Play Record: 12-13
The Case For: Wessel Russchen may be the best player in baseball, and Xander Bogaerts and Lodewijk de Leeuw give him some support
The Case Against: There are dead spots in the lineup, and the staff, aside from de Leeuw, is a disaster
Top 3 Talents
CF: Wessel Russchen—4-Time AL Platinum Stick Winner
RP: Lodewijk de Leeuw—1.2 career WAR in 159.1 inings
3B: Xander Bogaerts—2-Time PBA Platinum Stick Winner
Top WBC Career WAR
3B: Jurrickson Profar—36 G, 150 PA, 1.4 WAR (.311/6/19) 26 BB, 14 K, 2 3B, 3-4 SB—NL, EUR All-Star
RP: Lodewijk de Leeuw—4 G, 2 GS, 13.1 IP, 0.4 WAR (0-1, 4.05) 1 BB, 8 K
Least WBC Career WAR
RF: Denzel Salinas—14 G, 52 PA, -0.3 WAR (.208/0/3) 4 2B, 2 BB, 12 K—1.6 Career Minor League WAR in 277 innings
RP: Yannick van den Hoven—5 G, 1 GS, 5.1 IP, -0.3 WAR (0-1, 20.25) 2 SV, 3 HRA
Random Fact: The Netherlands is the only team to have advanced to the playoffs three times despite an overall losing record.
4) Taiwan
Group Play Record: 9-16
The Case For: Taiwan has a good bullpen and enough position players to challenge to make it out of group play
The Case Against: There aren’t a lot of impact hitters, which will doom it in the toughest group in the tournament
Top 3 Talents
RP: Ghi-cheng Der—2029 AL All-Star
CL: Dai-lin Chang—2028 EL Reliever of the Year
LF: Ta-heng Rui—2029 PCL Gold Glove
Top WBC Career WAR
CF: Wing-fung Chieu—10 G, 42 PA, 0.4 WAR (.306/1/1) 4 R, 4 BB, 4-6 SB—47 career KBO SB in 136 Games
RP: Ghi-Cheng Der—6 G, 3 GS, 17.1 IP, 0.5 WAR (1-0, 0.52) 2 SV, 0 HRA
Least WBC Career WAR
C: Ch’ang-chieh Chiu—8 G, 23 PA, -0.2 WAR (.136/0/1) 1 BB, 7 K—2.0 CAR League WAR in 145 Games
RP: Cheung Rui—1 G, 0 GS, 0.2 IP, -0.2 WAR (0-0, 54.00) 4 H—8 Saves in 72 EL Games
Random Fact: Wei-Chung Wang has the second-worst record in WBC history at 0-5
Group F
1) The United States
Group Play Record: 24-1
The Case For: The only team that can compete with the United States’ high-end talent is the Dominican Republic.
The Case Against: The US doesn’t have most of its upper echelon players, taking a little bit off its fastball.
Top 3 Talents
2B: Nick Rollins—35 home runs in 178 career games with Brewers
RP: David Heide—2-time AL Reliever of the Year
CF: Joe Taylor—3-time AL Platinum Stick winner
Top WBC Career WAR
CF: Jeren Kendall—17 G, 72 PA, 1.5 WAR (.350/3/15) 5 2B, 11 R, 5-7 SB—8-time Gold Glove
CL: David Heide—9 G, 0 GS, 13.1 IP, 0.7 WAR (1-0, 0.00) 4 SV, 4 BB, 27 K
Least WBC Career WAR
CF: Joe Taylor—11 G, 49 PA, -0.3 WAR (.174/1/5) 2 2B, 6 R, 1 BB, 12 K, 2-5 SB
RP: Doug Syverson—3 G, 0 GS, 5.2 IP, 0.1 WAR (2-0, 6.35) 3 BB, 7 K—2027 NL Reliever of the Year
Random Fact: Joe Taylor is the only player to play at least 10 games for the US and have negative WAR
2) Brazil
Group Play Record: 7-9
The Case For: Tomaz Espassandim and Vicente Corado give the team the best pitcher and best hitter in most matchups.
The Case Against: The rotation behind Corado is dreadful and there’s no power in the lineup behind Cannibal.
Top 3 Talents
2B: Tomaz Espassandim—2-Time NL Platinum Stick Winner
SP: Vicente Corado—21-13, 3.77 PBA record in 293.1 innings with Royals
SP: Eric Pardinho—60 career saves in 355.2 career innings
Top WBC Career WAR
2B: Tomaz Espassandim—16 G, 67 PA, 0.9 WAR (.333/5/15) 5 2B
SP: Vicente Corado—3 G, 2 GS, 12 IP, 0.7 WAR (3-0, 0.00) 1 BB, 15 K, 5 H
Least WBC Career WAR
RF: Godalupe Lagos—13 G, 48 PA, -0.3 WAR (.140/0/2) 10 K—2026 NWL Platinum Stick
RP: Luys Jcome—2 G, 2 GS, 7.1 IP, -0.2 WAR (0-2, 13.50) 2.05 WHIP—2028 MWL Pitcher of Year runner up
Random Fact: Brazil is second to Nicaragua in all-time wins among teams that didn’t begin play in 2018
3) England
Group Play Record: 1-5
The Case For: Charles McCarthy and a few decent bats should be able to go toe-to-toe with the non-US part of the group
The Case Against: The offense is bad, and the staff is homer prone, a rough combination
Top 3 Talents
CF: Gael Honeyford—2029 EUR All-Star
SP: Charles McCarthy—2028 CAL All Star
RF: Rio Watsham—.948 OPS in LMB last year
Top WBC Career WAR
CF: Gael Honeyford—6 G, 25 PA, 0.3 WAR (.304/0/0) 2-2 SB
SP: Charles McCarthy 2 G, 2 GS, 9.1 IP, 0.4 WAR (0-1, 1.93) 14 K, .193 Opponent average
Least WBC Career WAR
1B: Pat Taylor—6 G, 19 PA, -0.3 WAR (.105/0/0) 4 K—40 career Minor League doubles in 233 games
RP: Daryl Dawson—2 G, 0 GS, 3.2 IP, -0.3 WAR (0-1, 4.91) 5 BB, 4 K—2028 CRL All-Star
Random Fact: Current Giants 18-year-old international amateur Clive Manson has the only WBC win in England history
4) Italy
Group Play Record: 7-18
The Case For: Benvenuto Arfe and Este Aglietti are competent players who will give Italy a shot against England
The Case Against: a poor bullpen will relinquish any lead
Top 3 Talents
3B: Este Agliette—1 GS, 1.0 WAR in Meridian League last year
SP: Pierluigi Sarretti—#48 PBA Prospect
SP: Martino Castellani—2029 MWL All Star
Top WBC Career WAR
3B: Este Agliette—19 G, 82 PA, 0.5 WAR (.278/0/11) 8 BB, 2 3B
SP: Giampietro Tilleti—4 G, 2 GS, 13.2 IP, 0.3 WAR (0-1, 1.32)
Least WBC Career WAR
LF: Ceasario Gortana—9 G, 24 PA, -0.4 WAR (.083/0/2) 0 BB, 6 K)—No other professional experience
RP: Celestino Guglielmotti—3 G, 1 GS, 9.1 IP, -0.2 WAR (0-1, 8.68) 14 H, 5 BB, 2 K—3.79 career ERA in NYPL
Random Fact: Italy has the most losses in WBC history
Group G
1) Puerto Rico
Group Play Record: 17-8
The Case For: Puerto Rico always has a good infield with Francisco Lindor leading the team. Carlos Correa has returned to play for the first time since 2018.
The Case Against: A normally excellent bullpen, Puerto Rico has its weakest pen in years and doesn’t have a good outfield at all.
Top 3 Talents
SS: Francisco Lindor—12-Time Platinum Stick Award
CL: Omar Lara—2-Time NL All-Star
LF: Heliot Ramos—2026 AL All-Star
Top WBC Career WAR
SS: Francisco Lindor—37 G, 168 PA, 2.8 WAR (.333/8/26) 31 BB, 24 K, 1.9 ZR
CL: Omar Lara—8 G, 5 GS, 29 IP, 0.8 WAR (5-0, 2.17) .152 Opponent average, 42 K
Least WBC Career WAR
LF: Heliot Ramos—28 G, 118 PA, -0.3 WAR (.130/3/12) 30 K, 8 GIDP
SP: Luis Viscarra—7 G, 2 GS, 19 IP, 0.1 WAR (0-2, 5.68) 10 K—2022 EL All Star
Random Fact: After not advancing the first three WBCs, Puerto Rico has moved past Group Play the last three WBCs
2) Australia
The Case For: Roderick Dalton is spectacular and there’s enough of a supporting cast to give him some help
The Case Against: There’s not much pitching, and while the team has power, Australia doesn’t have many hitters who can get base hits
Top 3 Talents
1B: Roderick Dalton—3-time Platinum Stick Winner
C: Jake Turnbull—5-Time DAHL Platinum Stick Winner
CF: Cody Sanderson—#2 PBA Prospect
Top WBC Career WAR
1B: Roderick Dalton—22 G, 94 PA, 1.0 WAR (.301/5/13) 5 2B, 17 BB, 15 K
RP: Jake Baker—12 G, 1 GS, 23 IP, 0.5 WAR (3-2, 1.96) 4 BB, 18 K, 1 HRA—2021 EL All-Star
Least WBC Career WAR
3B: Willem Gaynon—19 G, 74 PA, -0.1 WAR (.197/3/7) 18 K—42 Career MER home runs in 520 plate appearances
RP: Domenic Krajancic—5 G, 1 GS, 14 IP, -0.4 WAR (1-0, 6.43) 14 BB, 10 K—#34 KBO Prospect
Random Fact: After going 0-9 the first three seasons, Australia has advanced in group play each of the last two years.
3) Netherlands Antilles
Group Play Record: 11-14
The Case For: Netherlands Antilles has good infielders and should have a great defense
The Case Against: There’s no power and the pitchers are very wild
Top 3 Talents
SS: Ozzie Albies—5-Time PBA Gold Glove
SS: Ite Leunissen—2029 EUR All-Star
2B: Jeremy Schuit—2-Time Minor League All Star with Phillies
Top WBC Career WAR
SS: Ozzie Albies—37 G, 159 PA, 1.7 WAR (.317/5/25) 8 2B, 27 R, 5-7 SB
RP: Reynold van der Hoff—5 G, 1 GS, 10.1 IP, 0.4 WAR (0-0, 2.61) 0 HRA, 12 K—2029 CAR All Star
Least WBC Career WAR
RF: Isranel Wilson—37 G, 131 PA, -0.4 WAR (.233/1/6) 13 R, 10 BB, 31 K
SP: Halmar van Breukelen—9 G, 7 GS, 26.2 IP, -1.0 WAR (0-6) 14 BB, 15 K, 5 HBP, 9 HRA, 58 H—13-7, 4.81 record, 164 IP in MER League
Random Fact: The Netherlands Antilles has advanced to the second round four times, but is 0-12 in the second round
4) Chile
Group Play Record: 1-5
The Case For: There are a few hitters who can hold their own, and Juan Moreno is a competent arm. They aren’t a doormat like other teams predicted to finish last.
The Case Against: Pedro Tapia is their only plus player unless Willie Perez matures. In a group filled with competence, that’s tough to overcome.
Top 3 Talents
LF: Pedro Tapia—2-Time NL All Star with Diamondbacks
SP: Juan Moreno—26 career strikeouts in 22.2 innings as rookie in 2029 with Nationals
1B: Willie Perez—#5 Prospect in DAHL
Top WBC Career WAR
LF: Pedro Tapia—6 G, 21 PA, 0.2 WAR (.30/1/2) 6 K, 1-1 SB
SP: Juan Moreno—2 G, 2 GS, 8.1 IP, 0.2 WAR (0-0, 2.16) 5 BB, 9 K
Least WBC Career WAR
CF: Mike Cruz—6 G, 13 PA, -0.5 WAR (.154/0/0) 8 K, -2.8 ZR—no professional experience
SP: Alfonso Serrano—1 G, 0 GS, 1.1 IP, -0.3 WAR (0-0, 40.50) 5 H, 2 HRA, 1 BB, 0 K—no professional experience
Random Fact: star PBA prospect Elias Ramirez was the only player aisde from Pedro Tapia to hit at least .217 during the last WBC. He declined to participate in this year’s tournament.
Group H
1) Canada
The Case For: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Harland Guenette give the team quality bats, and Sergio Navarro should dominate
The Case Against: There isn’t a lot of offensive depth behind the top bats. That could harm them in the second round
Top 3 Talents
SP: Sergio Navarro—Led PBA in innings and HR/9 in 2029 for Pirates
3B: Harland Guenette—2028 ALMVP third place
RP: Harmon Jansen—60 strikeouts as rookie in 58.2 innings for Angels in 2029
Top WBC Career WAR
1B: Vladimir Guerrero Jr.—36 G, 156 PA, 1.6 WAR (.328/12/31) 31 R, 5-5 SB—3-Time AL All Star
RP: Zach Pop—17 G, 0 GS, 22.1 IP, 0.6 WAR (2-2, 2.42) 2 SV, .215 Opponent average, 24 K—2029 AFR All Star
Least WBC Career WAR
3B: Bob Morin—4 G, 6 PA, -0.1 WAR (.200/0/1) 1 R, 2 K—2027 MWL All Star
RP: Scott Beaubien—5 G, 0 GS, 8 IP, -0.4 WAR (1-1, 6.75) 1 SV, 7 BB, 6 K—2-4, 3.32 career PBA record with Twins
Random Fact: Only Francisco Mejia has more WBC homers than Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
2) South Korea
The Case For: South Kora brings a solid group of position players with a ton of speed to the tournament
The Case Against: South Korea lacks high-end pitching to compete with the best teams
Top 3 Talents
RF: Jung-hoo Lee—2-Time KBO MVP
1B: Mun-Yeong Kym—3-Time KBO MVP
3B: Ha-Sung Kim—9-Time KBO Platinum Stick
Top WBC Career WAR
LF: Sung-Yoon Kim—17 G, 80 PA, 0.6 WAR (.300/0/2) 10 R, 6 2B, 8 BB, 7 K, 3-3 SB—All-time leader with 787 career KBO SB
SP: Weon Kwang—6 G, 3 GS, 21.2 IP, 0.7 WAR (1-1, 1.25) 0 HRA, 23 K—2-Time KBO Outstanding Pitcher
Least WBC Career WAR
CF: Yong-su Kim—5 G, 19 PA, 0.0 WAR (.194/0/3) 3-4 SB—2-Time Minor League All Star with Giants
RP: Chang-min Shim—9 G, 0 GS, 12.2 IP, -0.1 WAR (1-1, 4.26) 4 SV, 12 K, 3 HRA—46-42, 121 SV, 3.91 career KBO record in 393.1 IP
Random Fact: South Korea has morphed from a power team to a speed team. They hit .307 with 11 homers and two steals in 2022. In 2028 they hit .228 with three homers and eight steals
3) Germany
The Case For: The team should be able to hit for power, which gives them a chance against punchless opponents.
The Case Against: Germany has never been able to pitch, and that shouldn’t change this year.
Top 3 Talents
C: Dutch Kroll—2-Time AL All Star
1B: Theodorich Grundherr—2025 NWL All Star
3B: Andreas Switzer—2028 NWL All Star
Top WBC Career WAR
C: Dutch Kroll—5 G, 18 PA, 0.4 WAR (.467/0/5) 2 2B, 3 R
LF: Adelfried Reiter—1 G, 0 GS, 1.2 IP, -0.0 WAR (0-0, 16.20) 3 BB, 3 K—2029 TEX Glove Wizard
Least WBC Career WAR
2B: Horst Brunner—16 G, 56 PA, -1.2 WAR (.093/0/3) 1 BB, 19 K, 3 GIDP, -3.3 ZR—26 career 2B in 751 career Minor League WAR with Cubs
RP: Lucas Reuter—2 G, 0 GS, 2.2 IP, -0.4 WAR (0-0, 20.25) 8 BB, 2 HRA—No professional experience
Random Fact: With -0.7 WAR, Horst Brunner’s 2024 WBC was the worst single-tournament performance in PBA history.
4) Costa Rica
The Case For: Costa Rica has a good starting pitcher and a good closer
The Case Against: The offense is putrid
Top 3 Talents
CL: Juan Gutierrez—2-Time Minor League All Star with Mets
SP: Mario Jimenez—12 SVs, 2.27 ERA in 63.1 IP in Eastern League last season
RP: Carlos Hernandez—5-2, 3.41 ERA as rookie for Reds last year
Top WBC Career WAR
C: Alfredo Soriano—12 G, 43 PA, 0.3 WAR (.257/0/5) 6 BB, 2 HBP—2027 WISL Great Glove
SP: Juan Romero—3 G, 3 GS, 17.2 IP, 1.0 WAR (1-1, 1.02) 1 BB, 22 K—2028 CAL League Pitcher of Year third place
Least WBC Career WAR
2B: Luis Rivera—16 G, 57 PA, -0.7 WAR (.226/0/2) 2 BB, 17 K, -2.7 ZR—94 career runs in 252 rookie league games
CL: Juan Gutierrez—2 G, 0 GS, 4.1 IP, -0.1 WAR (0-0, 4.15) 4 BB, 8 K, 2.08 WHIP
Random Fact: Costa Rica only has three home runs as a team all-time, all in 2024, with one each from Willem Gaynor, Luis Garza and Sergio Morales.
1) Panama
Group Play Record: 16-9
The Case For: Panama is a veteran team with good infielders, an ace for the tournament in Sergio Arellano, and is coming off a 6-0 2028 tournament that only saw tiebreakers from a 2-1 second round keep them out of the quarterfinals.
The Case Against: There’s a lack of high-end talent on the team. Panama should cruise in group play, but may struggle to make it to the quarterfinals.
Top 3 Talents:
2B: Jonathan Arauz—2025 NL Platinum Stick Award Winner
SP: Sergio Arellano—3.3 WAR as rookie for Orioles in 2029
SS: Allen Cordoba—2029 EUR All-Star
Top WBC Career WAR
2B: Jonathan Arauz—34 G, 143 PA, 1.2 WAR (.276/5/17) 20 R, 2 SB
SP Sergio Arellano—5 G, 3 GS, 13.2 IP 0.4 WAR (2-1, 4.61) 1 SV, 3 BB, 16 K
Least WBC Career WAR
1B: Edwardo Ramon—9 G, 26 PA (.154/1/2) 0 BB, 2 K—3rd in 2029 Canadian Rookie League MVP
RP: Gilberto Chu—3 G, 1 GS, 12.2 IP, 0.1 WAR (1-0, 2.13) 7 BB, 11 K—1.04 ERA for Spain in Meridian League last year
Random Fact: Panama has the most WBC wins for any team that has not made the second round
2) Curacao
Group Play Record: 5-11
The Case For: Zipper Willemsen is a star and the team has some decent prospects who can make a mark
The Case Against: The pitching is dreadful, and there are few established players outside Zipper
Top 3 Talents
RF: Nelle Willemsen—2029 NLDS MVP
SS: Noud Brower—2028 FSL All-Star
C: Maurice Machielse—2028 and 2029 Minor League champion in Giants system
Top WBC Career WAR
RF: Nelle Willemsen—20 G, 80 PA, 0.7 (.286/4/8) 4 2B, 10 BB, 10 K
SP: Quint Penning—6 G, 6 GS, 31.1 IP, 1.2 WAR (2-3, 1.44) 0 HRA, 31 K—2-Time PCL All-Star
Least WBC Career WAR
RF: Riemer Koot—20 G, 71 PA, -0.5 WAR (.200/2/9) -1.6 RF Zone Rating—2028 SAL All Star
RP: Max Hoevers—4 G, 0 GS, 7.2 IP, 0.1 WAR (0-0, 1.17) 2 SV, 2 K—-7.1 WAR in 2029 for Buies Creek in Carolina League
Random Fact: Despite fewer innings, Penning has more career WBC WAR than PBA Cy Young winner Esteban Valdez. The Rangers great will sit out this tournament instead of looking to improve upon his 3-1 record.
3) China
Group Play Record: 3-13
The Case For: The pitching should hold up and Hou-Kang Ang is a PBA player
The Case Against: It’s a miserable offense that will struggle to score
Top 3 Talents
SS: Hou-Kang Ang—1.3 WAR as rookie for Marlins last year
SS: Wing-chiu Chia—#70 DAHL Prospect
RP: Jo Lon—3.44 career PBA ERA
Top WBC Career WAR
LF: Si-dao Wong—16 G, 66 PA, 0.1 WAR (.213/4/11) 3 BB, 24 K—.969 OPS for China in 2028 WBC
RP: Jo Lon—4 G, 1 GS, 7.2 IP, -0.1 WAR (0-1, 4.70) 1 SV
Least WBC Career WAR
SS: Wing-chiu Chia—10 G, 39 PA, -0.7 WAR (.189/1/4) 1 BB, 18 K, -5.0 Zone Rating
RP: Man Ban—4 G, 0 GS, 4.2 IP, -0.6 WAR (0-1, 27.00) 13 BB, 2 K, .478 Opponent Average—60 career Rookie League strikeouts
Random Fact: Of the 37 players who have played for the Chinese National Team, 12 have positive WARs. None of the 12 will be playing in this tournament.
4) Honduras
Group Play Record: 3-3
The Case For: Jordan Alejandre and David Labrador give Honduras legitimate PBA talent
The Case Against: Honduras will be playing with only 15 men, including just one natural infielder
Top 3 Talents
LF: Jordan Alejandre—27 career PBA home runs in 453 plate appearances
SP: David Labrador—1.6 career PBA WAR
RF: Armando Mejia—2029 FSL Platinum Stick Winner
Top WBC Career WAR
LF: Jordan Alejandre—6 G, 28 PA, 0.7 WAR (.429/2/6) 3 2B, 6 R, 6 BB,
SP: Jorge Navarro—2 G, 2 GS, 8.2 IP, 0.1 WAR (0-1, 7.27) 12 H—2029 AFR All-Star
Least WBC Career WAR
RF: Armando Mejia—6 G, 6 GS, 26 PA, -0.2 WAR (.111/0/1) .111 SLG
SP: Nelson Soto—1 G, 1 GS, 4.2 IP, -0.1 WAR (0-1, 1.93) 7 BB, 2 K—14-29 career minor league record
Random Fact: 19 of 34 Hondurans declined to play for the team this year
Group B
1) Dominican Republic
Group Play Record: 22-3
The Case For: The Dominican Republic has elite infield defense, great power, an ace in Luis Detres, and an excellent bullpen. They’ve made the championship game four of the six WBCs
The Case Against: There isn’t a ton of pitching depth and there are some underwhelming hitters. It may hurt them in the wrong matchup in the semifinals.
Top 3 Talents
SS: Luis Retana—2029 AL MVP
SP: Luis Detres—2028 NL Rookie of the Year
1B: Rodolfo Rivera—2029 NL MVP
Top WBC Career WAR
3B: Orlando Arcia—45 G, 220 PA, 2.9 WAR (.346/7/30) 12 2B, 28 BB, 29 K, 10-10 SB—4 Time NL All Star
SP: Jeifry Nunez—10 G, 6 GS, 42 IP, 1.7 WAR (2-1, 2.79) 7 BB, 53 K, .143 Opponent Average—2024 AL All Star
Least WBC Career WAR
C: Juan Herrera—2 G, 5 PA, -0.0 WAR (.200/0/1)—13.4 FRM in 2029
RP: Anyelo Luna—6 G, 0 GS, 8.1 IP, 0.2 WAR (1-0, 2.16) 0 HR, 9 K—3 Time AL All Star
Random Fact: Orlando Arcia is the all-time WBC leader in hits, runs, and doubles, and is second in games played
2) Aruba
Group Play Record: 6-10
The Case For: Aruba’s starting pitching can strike out enough guys to get to the second round
The Case Against: Aruba has an impotent offense that scored only 14 runs in six games last WBC
Top 3 Talents
SP: Govaart van den Heuvel—165 strikeouts with Mets last season
RP: Kees Lenstra—128 strikeouts for Algeria Potros last season
CL: Ulbert Maasdam—1.62 career Southern League ERA
Top WBC Career WAR
SS: Gerwin Schoonen—12 G, 48 PA, 0.3 WAR (.244/0/1) 3-3 SB—113 career minor league stolen bases
SP: Govaart van den Heuvel—3 G, 3 GS, 12 IP, 0.8 WAR (0-0, 0.75) 1 BB, 20 K
Least WBC Career WAR
CF: Quido van Velzen—16 G, 58 PA, -0.7 WAR (.164/0/4) 2 BB, 10 K—2025 WISL All-Star
RP: Jorge Bejerano—3 G, 1 GS, 8 IP, -0.4 WAR (0-1, 12.38) 4 HRA 2 K—0.8 WAR in Double-A last year
Random Fact: Aruba has scored only 42 runs in 16 career WBC games.
3) Jamaica
Group Play Record: 2-4
The Case For: There are some huge pitching prospects for Jamaica, including White Sox farmhand Joe Anderson and Oklahoma State Junior Kareem Oluniide
The Case Against: It’s an extremely young team with raw teenagers forced into many important roles
Top 3 Talents
RP: Griff Newble—2.80 career DAHL ERA
RP: Jayden Valmarry—2028 PCL All Star
SP: Joe Anderson—#26 PBA Prospect
Top WBC Career WAR
1B Chris Albutt—6 G, 27 PA, 0.2 WAR (.292/1/1) 4 R, 4 2B—61 Double-A 2B
RP: Griff Newble—2 G, 2 GS, 17 IP, 0.3 WAR (0-2, 3.18) 2 CG
Least WBC Career WAR
SS: Nicholas Stanton—6 G, 23 PA, -0.5 WAR (.091/0/1) 6 K—1.6 WAR in Rookie Ball last year
SP: Quincy Patton—2 G, 1 GS, 5 IP (0-1, 7.20) 8 BB, 3 K, .400 Opponent Average—No other professional history
Random Fact: Griff Newble and Michael Pineda are the only pitchers with multiple Complete Games in a single WBC
4) New Zealand
Group Play Record: 0-6
The Case For: The pitchers should be able to get some strikeouts, which could be enough in a weaker group
The Case Against: A Catcher will have to play the outfield
Top 3 Talents
RP: Edwin Thompson—72 K in 57 career IP for Atlanta Braves
RF: Jarod Dethridge—2028 WBC Global Glove
SP: Brendon Stobbie—2027 CAL League Pitcher of Year runner up
Top WBC Career WAR
1B: Carlos Youngberry—6 G, 22 PA, 0.1 WAR (.273/1/1) 2 2B—.782 Rookie League OPS
SP: Brendon Stobbie—2 G, 2 GS, 9.2 IP, 0.3 WAR (0-2, 4.66) 0 BB, 10 K
Least WBC Career WAR
SS: Sam Hodge—6 G, 18 PA, -0.6 WAR (.059/0/0) 8 K, -3.3 ZR—2.0 career minor league WAR
SP: Lou Gibbs—2 G, 0 GS, 3.2 IP, -0.1 WAR (0-0, 4.91) .438 Opponent Average—High School Senior in Mexican League
Random Fact: 9 of 11 position players on 2028 team had negative WAR
Group C
1) Cuba
Group Play Record: 15-10
The Case For: Cuba has competent position players everywhere, giving the team a high floor.
The Case Against: The pitching staff is very poor. Cuba may not be a quarterfinalist as a result.
Top 3 Talents
RF: Jorge Ramos—2028 NL All Star
RP: Arturo Aparicio—2-0, 3 Saves, 3.77 ERA for Cardinals in 2028
RP: Juan Bejerano—2025 Cuban League Most Outstanding Pitcher third place
Top WBC Career WAR
SS: Ignacio Huicochea—10 G, 46 PA, 0.6 WAR (.282/1/6) 10 R—2029 CUB Platinum Stick Winner
RP: Carlos Sierra—5 G, 0 GS, 10.1 IP, 0.6 WAR (2-0, 1.74) 1 BB, 20 K, .139 Opponent Average—2020 3rd Place WBC World Relief Award
Least WBC Career WAR
CF: Jorge Torrez—5 G, 8 PA, -0.0 WAR (.143/0/0) 1 R, 1 BB—2029 CUB Quarterfinals, Semifinals, World Series MVP
SP: Juan Miranda—3 G, 2 GS, 13 IP, -0.0 WAR (1-1, 3.46) 2 HRA, 6 BB—Career 20-14, 3.30 ERA in CUB
Random Fact: Cuba has 9 position players who played in the PBA and have negative career WBC WAR
2) South Africa
Group Play Record: 4-12
The Case For: South Africa has solid outfielders, which could be enough to take second in a weak group
The Case Against: The team is very young and only has one real pitcher, and one natural infielder
Top 3 Talents
RP: Makabee Dingane—6-4, 4.27 career ERA with Rockies
CF: Wilfried Baan—2-time Minor League All-Star with Brewers
CF: Khamis Masya—No Professional History
Top WBC Career WAR
CF: Umar Jengo—16 G, 62 PA, 0.8 WAR (.259/2/4) 7 R, 7-7 SB—3-Time Minor League Best Fielder with Nationals
RP: Masmud Chiwanda—6 G, 4 GS, 32.2 IP, 1.2 WAR (2-1, 2.48) 35 K, .213 Opponent Average, 64% FB rate
Least WBC Career WAR
C: Xamida Kagwa—5 G, 16 PA, -0.1 WAR (.125/0/0)—College Senior at Georgia Southern
RP: Makabee Dingane—4 G, 1 GS, 6.2 IP, -0.3 WAR (0-2, 14.85) 11 H, 8 BB, 2.85 WHIP
Random Fact: Umar Jengo and Orlando Arcia are the only players with at least 7 WBC steals without getting caught and multiple homers.
3) El Salvador
Group Play Record: 0-6
The Case for: The team has a solid starting staff and enough hitters to be a threat to South Africa and El Salvador
The Case Against: There’s only one balanced hitter and the defense and middle relief will be a disaster
Top 3 Talents
1B: Juan Yanes—2027 FSL Platinum Stick
SP: Jonathan Guarneros—438 career minor league strikeouts in 355.2 innings with Indians
3B: Antonio Soto—#14 Ranked Prospect
Top WBC Career WAR
1B: Juan Yanes—6 G, 24 PA, 0.5 WAR (.353/0/0) 4 2B, 4 BB, 3 R
RP: Luis Villa—2 G, 2 GS, 8.1 IP, 0.1 WAR (0-2, 5.40) 5 BB, 6 K—2-time Minor League All Star with Phillies
Least WBC Career WAR
1B: Vinny Lopez—6 G, 15 PA, -0.2 WAR (.077/0/1)—2029 NYPL Platinum Stick
SP: Carlos Guerrero—3 G, 0 GS, 3.1 IP, -0.4 WAR (0-0, 13.50) 7 H, 2 HRA, 5 BB—No professional experience
Random Fact: El Salvador is still awaiting its first WBC home run and stolen base
4) Virgin Islands
Group Play Record: 0-6
The Case For: Dermott Brugwin and Les Lovell may be the best players in the group not playing for Cuba
The Case Against: There are maybe five players that wouldn’t look out of place above rookie ball.
Top 3 Talents
1B: Dermott Brugwin—2026 CAR All-Star
LF: Les Lovell—1.8 WAR as rookie for Rays last year
RP: Micah Coles—2026 SAL All-Star
Top WBC Career WAR
1B: Dermott Brugwin—6 G, 20 PA, 0.1 WAR, (.263/0/0) 1-1 SB
SP: Louie King—2 G, 0 GS, 3 IP, 0.1 WAR (0-0, 0.00) 0 BB, 3 K—No professional experience
Least WBC career WAR
LF: Les Lovell—6 G, 24 PA, -0.4 WAR (.043/0/1) -0.4 ZR
RP: Alexander Hunter—3 G, 0 GS, 4.2 IP, -0.4 WAR (0-0, 17.36) 10 H, 6 BB—9-4, 7 Saves, 7.83 career Minor League record with A’s
Random Fact: The Virgin Islands scored 4 runs and allowed 59 in the 2028 WBC, easily the tournament’s worst showing.
Group D
1) Mexico
Group Play Record: 18-7
The Case For: Solid pitching and good defense can get them to the quarterfinals
The Case Against: It’s not a great lineup and there aren’t top-notch arms, which could hurt Mexico against better teams
Top 3 Talents
2B: Luis Urias—3-Time Platinum Stick Winner
CF: Humberto Camacho—2028 AL All Star
RP: Sergio Ramirez—221 strikeouts in 222.2 career innings with Indians
Top WBC Career WAR
CF: Humberto Camacho—25 G, 107 PA, 1.0 WAR (.261/3/15) 17 R
SP: Juan Vasquez—1 G, 1 GS, 5 IP, 0.2 WAR (0-0, 0.00) 1 BB, 5 K—2-Time EL All-Star
Least WBC Career WAR
CF: Arturo Ortega—8 G, 23 PA, -0.1 WAR (.091/0/2) 2 GIDP—2026 LMB Platinum Stick
SP: Juan Betancourt—7 G, 2 GS, 17 IP, -0.1 WAR (2-1, 3.71) 3 HRA, 10 BB, 17 K—2026 PCL AC Reliever of the Year Runner Up
Random Fact: Mexico has the most wins of any team to never win a WBC championship
2) Colombia
Group Play Record: 13-12
The Case For: Good pitching and defense make Colombia a respectable outfit
The Case Against: There are no sluggers on the outfit, which will damper Colombia’s chances against better opponents
Top 3 Talents
SP: Juan Alaniz—31-14, 4.08 career record with Red Sox
RF: Andres Perez—College Junior at Florida State University
C: Roger Marmol—2024 DAHL Platinum Stick Award
Top WBC Career WAR
C: Roger Marmol—4 G, 16 PA, 0.2 WAR (.167/0/1) 4 BB, 3 K
SP: Juan Alaniz—6 G, 4 GS, 0.7 WAR (1-0, 1.27) 17 K
Least WBC Career WAR
SS: Dave Oliva—7 G, 27 PA, -0.0 WAR (.130/0/2) 4 BB, 12 K—2028 TEX Platinum Stick Award
RP: Luis Patino—6 G, 2 GS, 21 IP, 0.2 WAR (2-0, 3.43) 11 BB, 19 K—2-Time TEX All-Star
Random Fact: Bryan Martelo has the most games played for Colombia, but despite being an AL All Star, hit only .194 in WBC play
3) Nicaragua
The Case For: Alfredo Estevez is a star that can shut down any lineup
The Case Against: The staff is weak aside from Estevez and there are a lot of weak spots in the lineup
Top 3 Talents
SP: Alfredo Estevez—2029 NL All Star
SP: Roniel Raudes—45-47, 4.40 Career PBA record in 838.2 innings
RP: Dilmer Mejia—4.71 Career PBA record in 114.2 innings
Top WBC Career WAR
CF: Juan Rosa—19 G, 78 PA, 0.7 WAR (.265/2/7) 9 R, 4-6 SB—10 SB in 127 career PBA games with Mets
SP: Roniel Raudes—5 G, 5 GS, 30.1 IP, 0.6 WAR (2-3, 3.86) 4 BB, 26 K
Least WBC Career WAR
RF: Juan Moreno—19 G, 76 PA, -0.1 WAR (.186/1/3) 4 BB, 10 K, 3-4 SB—1.4 WAR, 74 career games with Royals
CL: Juan Botello—5 G, 1 GS, 7.2 IP, -0.2 WAR (0-1, 11.74)
Random Fact: Alfredo Estevez did not allow a run in 3 starts in the 2028 tournament
4) The Philippines
The Case For: Daniel Reginalde is a PBA-caliber Catcher who can do some damage at the plate
The Case Against: The team has six position players
Top 3 Talents
C: Daniel Reginalde—0.5 career WAR with Padres in 49 games
RF: Joey Meneses—.956 OPS in 2028 WBC
RP: Murugayan Elemia—1.2 career Minor League WAR with Cubs
Top WBC Career WAR
3B: Ronman Kayaba—9 G, 36 PA, 0.5 (.324/1/5) 2 2B, 4 R—.832 OPS in 2028 WBC
RP: Edilberto Esperenzilla—6 G, 0 GS, 9.1 IP, 0.4 (2-1, 7.45) 11 H, 0 HRA, 4 BB, 9 K—2.77 ERA in FSL
Least WBC Career WAR
C: Jaicus Causing—9 G, 39 PA, -0.2 WAR (.147/2/3) 0 BB, 7 K—2-time Minor League All Star
RP: Rizaldo Sauler—3 G, 0 GS, 4 IP, -0.2 WAR (0-0, 9.00) 3 BB, 5 K, .412 Opponent average—1.69 CUB career ERA
Random Fact: Despite allowing 60 runs, The Philippines’ group was so weak that it won with a 4-2 record and a -32 run differential. They even beat Mexico in a second round game.
Group E
1) Japan
Group Play Record: 18-7
The Case For: Japan has a talented, deep pitching staff and a fantastic defense. It will be rough for opponents to score off them
The Case Against: A lack of top-tier hitters could cause them to struggle offensively
Top 3 Talents
RF: Ichisake Ochiai—3-time AL Platinum Stick Award
SP: Yushi Harada—5.6 Career WAR in 286 innings with Yankees
RP: Shigeyoshi Haramoto—5-Time DAHL All Star
Top WBC Career WAR
C: Tomoya Mori—38 G, 165 PA, 0.9 WAR (.239/7/27) 18 BB—DAHL MVP, AL MVP
SP: Yushi Harada—2 G, 2 GS, 9 IP, 0.2 WAR (0-0, 2.00) 6 K, 0 HRA
Least WBC Career WAR
2B: Ryo Watanabe—12 G, 38 PA, -0.3 WAR (.167/0/0) 5 R, 1-2 SB—4-Time DAHL All Star
RP: Shigeyoshi Haramoto—1 G, 0 GS, 2 IP, -0.2 WAR (0-0, 9.00) 1 HRA
Random Fact: Of the 44 games Japan has played in the WBC, only two are started by players on the current roster. It’s a brand new staff
2) Venezuela
Group Play Record: 18-7
The Case For: The defending champions, Venezuela boasts a talented roster led by Daniel Flores.
The Case Against: Most of the team’s stars turned down an invitation, leaving the team shy of the best players that fueled its 2028 title.
Top 3 Talents
C: Daniel Flores—2025 NL Platinum Stick Award
1B: Gleyber Torres—4-Time AL All Star
SP: Laurenti Baffi—3.2 career WAR in 184 innings
Top WBC Career WAR
2B: Rougned Odor—15 G, 56 PA, 1.0 WAR (.404/4/10) 4 2B, 9 R—2-Time AL Platinum Stick Award
SP: German Marquez—17 G, 5 GS, 48.1 IP, 1.2 WAR (4-2, 2.05) 10 BB, 52 K—2023 NL Gold Glove
Least WBC Career WAR
3B: Luis Picon—7 G, 10 PA, -0.1 WAR (.200/0/0) 1 R—3.9 career WAR in 274 games
SP: Laurente Baffi—6 G, 0 GS, 9.1 IP, -0.2 WAR (0-0, 3.86) 4 SV, 6 BB, 13 K, 2 HRA
Random Fact: Venezuela will be playing without Juan Gestoso who has an all-time WBC best 23 steals in 24 attempts
3) The Netherlands
Group Play Record: 12-13
The Case For: Wessel Russchen may be the best player in baseball, and Xander Bogaerts and Lodewijk de Leeuw give him some support
The Case Against: There are dead spots in the lineup, and the staff, aside from de Leeuw, is a disaster
Top 3 Talents
CF: Wessel Russchen—4-Time AL Platinum Stick Winner
RP: Lodewijk de Leeuw—1.2 career WAR in 159.1 inings
3B: Xander Bogaerts—2-Time PBA Platinum Stick Winner
Top WBC Career WAR
3B: Jurrickson Profar—36 G, 150 PA, 1.4 WAR (.311/6/19) 26 BB, 14 K, 2 3B, 3-4 SB—NL, EUR All-Star
RP: Lodewijk de Leeuw—4 G, 2 GS, 13.1 IP, 0.4 WAR (0-1, 4.05) 1 BB, 8 K
Least WBC Career WAR
RF: Denzel Salinas—14 G, 52 PA, -0.3 WAR (.208/0/3) 4 2B, 2 BB, 12 K—1.6 Career Minor League WAR in 277 innings
RP: Yannick van den Hoven—5 G, 1 GS, 5.1 IP, -0.3 WAR (0-1, 20.25) 2 SV, 3 HRA
Random Fact: The Netherlands is the only team to have advanced to the playoffs three times despite an overall losing record.
4) Taiwan
Group Play Record: 9-16
The Case For: Taiwan has a good bullpen and enough position players to challenge to make it out of group play
The Case Against: There aren’t a lot of impact hitters, which will doom it in the toughest group in the tournament
Top 3 Talents
RP: Ghi-cheng Der—2029 AL All-Star
CL: Dai-lin Chang—2028 EL Reliever of the Year
LF: Ta-heng Rui—2029 PCL Gold Glove
Top WBC Career WAR
CF: Wing-fung Chieu—10 G, 42 PA, 0.4 WAR (.306/1/1) 4 R, 4 BB, 4-6 SB—47 career KBO SB in 136 Games
RP: Ghi-Cheng Der—6 G, 3 GS, 17.1 IP, 0.5 WAR (1-0, 0.52) 2 SV, 0 HRA
Least WBC Career WAR
C: Ch’ang-chieh Chiu—8 G, 23 PA, -0.2 WAR (.136/0/1) 1 BB, 7 K—2.0 CAR League WAR in 145 Games
RP: Cheung Rui—1 G, 0 GS, 0.2 IP, -0.2 WAR (0-0, 54.00) 4 H—8 Saves in 72 EL Games
Random Fact: Wei-Chung Wang has the second-worst record in WBC history at 0-5
Group F
1) The United States
Group Play Record: 24-1
The Case For: The only team that can compete with the United States’ high-end talent is the Dominican Republic.
The Case Against: The US doesn’t have most of its upper echelon players, taking a little bit off its fastball.
Top 3 Talents
2B: Nick Rollins—35 home runs in 178 career games with Brewers
RP: David Heide—2-time AL Reliever of the Year
CF: Joe Taylor—3-time AL Platinum Stick winner
Top WBC Career WAR
CF: Jeren Kendall—17 G, 72 PA, 1.5 WAR (.350/3/15) 5 2B, 11 R, 5-7 SB—8-time Gold Glove
CL: David Heide—9 G, 0 GS, 13.1 IP, 0.7 WAR (1-0, 0.00) 4 SV, 4 BB, 27 K
Least WBC Career WAR
CF: Joe Taylor—11 G, 49 PA, -0.3 WAR (.174/1/5) 2 2B, 6 R, 1 BB, 12 K, 2-5 SB
RP: Doug Syverson—3 G, 0 GS, 5.2 IP, 0.1 WAR (2-0, 6.35) 3 BB, 7 K—2027 NL Reliever of the Year
Random Fact: Joe Taylor is the only player to play at least 10 games for the US and have negative WAR
2) Brazil
Group Play Record: 7-9
The Case For: Tomaz Espassandim and Vicente Corado give the team the best pitcher and best hitter in most matchups.
The Case Against: The rotation behind Corado is dreadful and there’s no power in the lineup behind Cannibal.
Top 3 Talents
2B: Tomaz Espassandim—2-Time NL Platinum Stick Winner
SP: Vicente Corado—21-13, 3.77 PBA record in 293.1 innings with Royals
SP: Eric Pardinho—60 career saves in 355.2 career innings
Top WBC Career WAR
2B: Tomaz Espassandim—16 G, 67 PA, 0.9 WAR (.333/5/15) 5 2B
SP: Vicente Corado—3 G, 2 GS, 12 IP, 0.7 WAR (3-0, 0.00) 1 BB, 15 K, 5 H
Least WBC Career WAR
RF: Godalupe Lagos—13 G, 48 PA, -0.3 WAR (.140/0/2) 10 K—2026 NWL Platinum Stick
RP: Luys Jcome—2 G, 2 GS, 7.1 IP, -0.2 WAR (0-2, 13.50) 2.05 WHIP—2028 MWL Pitcher of Year runner up
Random Fact: Brazil is second to Nicaragua in all-time wins among teams that didn’t begin play in 2018
3) England
Group Play Record: 1-5
The Case For: Charles McCarthy and a few decent bats should be able to go toe-to-toe with the non-US part of the group
The Case Against: The offense is bad, and the staff is homer prone, a rough combination
Top 3 Talents
CF: Gael Honeyford—2029 EUR All-Star
SP: Charles McCarthy—2028 CAL All Star
RF: Rio Watsham—.948 OPS in LMB last year
Top WBC Career WAR
CF: Gael Honeyford—6 G, 25 PA, 0.3 WAR (.304/0/0) 2-2 SB
SP: Charles McCarthy 2 G, 2 GS, 9.1 IP, 0.4 WAR (0-1, 1.93) 14 K, .193 Opponent average
Least WBC Career WAR
1B: Pat Taylor—6 G, 19 PA, -0.3 WAR (.105/0/0) 4 K—40 career Minor League doubles in 233 games
RP: Daryl Dawson—2 G, 0 GS, 3.2 IP, -0.3 WAR (0-1, 4.91) 5 BB, 4 K—2028 CRL All-Star
Random Fact: Current Giants 18-year-old international amateur Clive Manson has the only WBC win in England history
4) Italy
Group Play Record: 7-18
The Case For: Benvenuto Arfe and Este Aglietti are competent players who will give Italy a shot against England
The Case Against: a poor bullpen will relinquish any lead
Top 3 Talents
3B: Este Agliette—1 GS, 1.0 WAR in Meridian League last year
SP: Pierluigi Sarretti—#48 PBA Prospect
SP: Martino Castellani—2029 MWL All Star
Top WBC Career WAR
3B: Este Agliette—19 G, 82 PA, 0.5 WAR (.278/0/11) 8 BB, 2 3B
SP: Giampietro Tilleti—4 G, 2 GS, 13.2 IP, 0.3 WAR (0-1, 1.32)
Least WBC Career WAR
LF: Ceasario Gortana—9 G, 24 PA, -0.4 WAR (.083/0/2) 0 BB, 6 K)—No other professional experience
RP: Celestino Guglielmotti—3 G, 1 GS, 9.1 IP, -0.2 WAR (0-1, 8.68) 14 H, 5 BB, 2 K—3.79 career ERA in NYPL
Random Fact: Italy has the most losses in WBC history
Group G
1) Puerto Rico
Group Play Record: 17-8
The Case For: Puerto Rico always has a good infield with Francisco Lindor leading the team. Carlos Correa has returned to play for the first time since 2018.
The Case Against: A normally excellent bullpen, Puerto Rico has its weakest pen in years and doesn’t have a good outfield at all.
Top 3 Talents
SS: Francisco Lindor—12-Time Platinum Stick Award
CL: Omar Lara—2-Time NL All-Star
LF: Heliot Ramos—2026 AL All-Star
Top WBC Career WAR
SS: Francisco Lindor—37 G, 168 PA, 2.8 WAR (.333/8/26) 31 BB, 24 K, 1.9 ZR
CL: Omar Lara—8 G, 5 GS, 29 IP, 0.8 WAR (5-0, 2.17) .152 Opponent average, 42 K
Least WBC Career WAR
LF: Heliot Ramos—28 G, 118 PA, -0.3 WAR (.130/3/12) 30 K, 8 GIDP
SP: Luis Viscarra—7 G, 2 GS, 19 IP, 0.1 WAR (0-2, 5.68) 10 K—2022 EL All Star
Random Fact: After not advancing the first three WBCs, Puerto Rico has moved past Group Play the last three WBCs
2) Australia
The Case For: Roderick Dalton is spectacular and there’s enough of a supporting cast to give him some help
The Case Against: There’s not much pitching, and while the team has power, Australia doesn’t have many hitters who can get base hits
Top 3 Talents
1B: Roderick Dalton—3-time Platinum Stick Winner
C: Jake Turnbull—5-Time DAHL Platinum Stick Winner
CF: Cody Sanderson—#2 PBA Prospect
Top WBC Career WAR
1B: Roderick Dalton—22 G, 94 PA, 1.0 WAR (.301/5/13) 5 2B, 17 BB, 15 K
RP: Jake Baker—12 G, 1 GS, 23 IP, 0.5 WAR (3-2, 1.96) 4 BB, 18 K, 1 HRA—2021 EL All-Star
Least WBC Career WAR
3B: Willem Gaynon—19 G, 74 PA, -0.1 WAR (.197/3/7) 18 K—42 Career MER home runs in 520 plate appearances
RP: Domenic Krajancic—5 G, 1 GS, 14 IP, -0.4 WAR (1-0, 6.43) 14 BB, 10 K—#34 KBO Prospect
Random Fact: After going 0-9 the first three seasons, Australia has advanced in group play each of the last two years.
3) Netherlands Antilles
Group Play Record: 11-14
The Case For: Netherlands Antilles has good infielders and should have a great defense
The Case Against: There’s no power and the pitchers are very wild
Top 3 Talents
SS: Ozzie Albies—5-Time PBA Gold Glove
SS: Ite Leunissen—2029 EUR All-Star
2B: Jeremy Schuit—2-Time Minor League All Star with Phillies
Top WBC Career WAR
SS: Ozzie Albies—37 G, 159 PA, 1.7 WAR (.317/5/25) 8 2B, 27 R, 5-7 SB
RP: Reynold van der Hoff—5 G, 1 GS, 10.1 IP, 0.4 WAR (0-0, 2.61) 0 HRA, 12 K—2029 CAR All Star
Least WBC Career WAR
RF: Isranel Wilson—37 G, 131 PA, -0.4 WAR (.233/1/6) 13 R, 10 BB, 31 K
SP: Halmar van Breukelen—9 G, 7 GS, 26.2 IP, -1.0 WAR (0-6) 14 BB, 15 K, 5 HBP, 9 HRA, 58 H—13-7, 4.81 record, 164 IP in MER League
Random Fact: The Netherlands Antilles has advanced to the second round four times, but is 0-12 in the second round
4) Chile
Group Play Record: 1-5
The Case For: There are a few hitters who can hold their own, and Juan Moreno is a competent arm. They aren’t a doormat like other teams predicted to finish last.
The Case Against: Pedro Tapia is their only plus player unless Willie Perez matures. In a group filled with competence, that’s tough to overcome.
Top 3 Talents
LF: Pedro Tapia—2-Time NL All Star with Diamondbacks
SP: Juan Moreno—26 career strikeouts in 22.2 innings as rookie in 2029 with Nationals
1B: Willie Perez—#5 Prospect in DAHL
Top WBC Career WAR
LF: Pedro Tapia—6 G, 21 PA, 0.2 WAR (.30/1/2) 6 K, 1-1 SB
SP: Juan Moreno—2 G, 2 GS, 8.1 IP, 0.2 WAR (0-0, 2.16) 5 BB, 9 K
Least WBC Career WAR
CF: Mike Cruz—6 G, 13 PA, -0.5 WAR (.154/0/0) 8 K, -2.8 ZR—no professional experience
SP: Alfonso Serrano—1 G, 0 GS, 1.1 IP, -0.3 WAR (0-0, 40.50) 5 H, 2 HRA, 1 BB, 0 K—no professional experience
Random Fact: star PBA prospect Elias Ramirez was the only player aisde from Pedro Tapia to hit at least .217 during the last WBC. He declined to participate in this year’s tournament.
Group H
1) Canada
The Case For: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Harland Guenette give the team quality bats, and Sergio Navarro should dominate
The Case Against: There isn’t a lot of offensive depth behind the top bats. That could harm them in the second round
Top 3 Talents
SP: Sergio Navarro—Led PBA in innings and HR/9 in 2029 for Pirates
3B: Harland Guenette—2028 ALMVP third place
RP: Harmon Jansen—60 strikeouts as rookie in 58.2 innings for Angels in 2029
Top WBC Career WAR
1B: Vladimir Guerrero Jr.—36 G, 156 PA, 1.6 WAR (.328/12/31) 31 R, 5-5 SB—3-Time AL All Star
RP: Zach Pop—17 G, 0 GS, 22.1 IP, 0.6 WAR (2-2, 2.42) 2 SV, .215 Opponent average, 24 K—2029 AFR All Star
Least WBC Career WAR
3B: Bob Morin—4 G, 6 PA, -0.1 WAR (.200/0/1) 1 R, 2 K—2027 MWL All Star
RP: Scott Beaubien—5 G, 0 GS, 8 IP, -0.4 WAR (1-1, 6.75) 1 SV, 7 BB, 6 K—2-4, 3.32 career PBA record with Twins
Random Fact: Only Francisco Mejia has more WBC homers than Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
2) South Korea
The Case For: South Kora brings a solid group of position players with a ton of speed to the tournament
The Case Against: South Korea lacks high-end pitching to compete with the best teams
Top 3 Talents
RF: Jung-hoo Lee—2-Time KBO MVP
1B: Mun-Yeong Kym—3-Time KBO MVP
3B: Ha-Sung Kim—9-Time KBO Platinum Stick
Top WBC Career WAR
LF: Sung-Yoon Kim—17 G, 80 PA, 0.6 WAR (.300/0/2) 10 R, 6 2B, 8 BB, 7 K, 3-3 SB—All-time leader with 787 career KBO SB
SP: Weon Kwang—6 G, 3 GS, 21.2 IP, 0.7 WAR (1-1, 1.25) 0 HRA, 23 K—2-Time KBO Outstanding Pitcher
Least WBC Career WAR
CF: Yong-su Kim—5 G, 19 PA, 0.0 WAR (.194/0/3) 3-4 SB—2-Time Minor League All Star with Giants
RP: Chang-min Shim—9 G, 0 GS, 12.2 IP, -0.1 WAR (1-1, 4.26) 4 SV, 12 K, 3 HRA—46-42, 121 SV, 3.91 career KBO record in 393.1 IP
Random Fact: South Korea has morphed from a power team to a speed team. They hit .307 with 11 homers and two steals in 2022. In 2028 they hit .228 with three homers and eight steals
3) Germany
The Case For: The team should be able to hit for power, which gives them a chance against punchless opponents.
The Case Against: Germany has never been able to pitch, and that shouldn’t change this year.
Top 3 Talents
C: Dutch Kroll—2-Time AL All Star
1B: Theodorich Grundherr—2025 NWL All Star
3B: Andreas Switzer—2028 NWL All Star
Top WBC Career WAR
C: Dutch Kroll—5 G, 18 PA, 0.4 WAR (.467/0/5) 2 2B, 3 R
LF: Adelfried Reiter—1 G, 0 GS, 1.2 IP, -0.0 WAR (0-0, 16.20) 3 BB, 3 K—2029 TEX Glove Wizard
Least WBC Career WAR
2B: Horst Brunner—16 G, 56 PA, -1.2 WAR (.093/0/3) 1 BB, 19 K, 3 GIDP, -3.3 ZR—26 career 2B in 751 career Minor League WAR with Cubs
RP: Lucas Reuter—2 G, 0 GS, 2.2 IP, -0.4 WAR (0-0, 20.25) 8 BB, 2 HRA—No professional experience
Random Fact: With -0.7 WAR, Horst Brunner’s 2024 WBC was the worst single-tournament performance in PBA history.
4) Costa Rica
The Case For: Costa Rica has a good starting pitcher and a good closer
The Case Against: The offense is putrid
Top 3 Talents
CL: Juan Gutierrez—2-Time Minor League All Star with Mets
SP: Mario Jimenez—12 SVs, 2.27 ERA in 63.1 IP in Eastern League last season
RP: Carlos Hernandez—5-2, 3.41 ERA as rookie for Reds last year
Top WBC Career WAR
C: Alfredo Soriano—12 G, 43 PA, 0.3 WAR (.257/0/5) 6 BB, 2 HBP—2027 WISL Great Glove
SP: Juan Romero—3 G, 3 GS, 17.2 IP, 1.0 WAR (1-1, 1.02) 1 BB, 22 K—2028 CAL League Pitcher of Year third place
Least WBC Career WAR
2B: Luis Rivera—16 G, 57 PA, -0.7 WAR (.226/0/2) 2 BB, 17 K, -2.7 ZR—94 career runs in 252 rookie league games
CL: Juan Gutierrez—2 G, 0 GS, 4.1 IP, -0.1 WAR (0-0, 4.15) 4 BB, 8 K, 2.08 WHIP
Random Fact: Costa Rica only has three home runs as a team all-time, all in 2024, with one each from Willem Gaynor, Luis Garza and Sergio Morales.