This spring, several countries will again compete against one another in the fourth rendition of the World Baseball Classic. And for the second time in the tournament’s history, Dodger Stadium will host the semifinals and final.
While there is still plenty of time until the 2017 WBC begins with Pools A and B at the Tokyo Dome and Gocheok Sky Dome, respectively, rosters are beginning to take shape. In early December, Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez was among 30 MLB players confirmed to participate in the WBC.
He previously played for Mexico in every WBC thus far (2006, 2009 and 2013). Gonzalez also joined the country’s national team this past spring during WBC qualifiers.
Meanwhile, Team USA is in the process of assembling their best roster in the tournament’s history. According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the most recent additions are Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and Washington Nationals second baseman Daniel Murphy:
Sources: Daniel Murphy and Paul Goldschmidt have committed to play for @USABaseball at @WBCBaseball. Quite a team being built. @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 29, 2016
That brings Team USA to 13 committed players, with Chris Archer, Nolan Arenado, Brandon Crawford, Eric Hosmer, Adam Jones, Ian Kinsler, Jonathan Lucroy, Andrew McCutchen, Buster Posey, Max Scherzer and Christian Yelich also in the fold.
Additionally, Matt Carpenter, Corey Seager and Clayton Kershaw reportedly are considering joining Team USA.
Other Dodgers who may participate in the WBC include Kenley Jansen, who previously expressed a desire to be part of Team Netherlands, and Kenta Maeda (Japan) and Julio Urias (Mexico).
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the club would support Maeda if he decided to participate. The club has not commented on Urias potentially playing alongside Gonzalez on the Mexican roster.
Unable to represent Cuba due to his defection, Yasiel Puig wanted to play for Mexico, but did not get the necessary paperwork in time to do so. Puig is hopeful of eventually playing for the Cuban team.
