Team USA continues to add talent to their roster for the 2023 World Baseball Classic as they officially announced Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star shortstop Trea Turner is joining the team.
This marks the third time Turner will represent the United States. He previously played for the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team in 2012 and 2013, and had a record 23 stolen bases.
The Team USA roster is shaping up to be the deepest in their history as All-Stars such as Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt have already committed to playing. The entire United States roster won’t be fully set until the offseason.
The Dodgers will be well-represented on the squad as Mookie Betts and Will Smith are also be on the team, along with third base coach Dino Ebel.
However, Turner may be representing a new team as he is set to reach free agency this offseason for the first time in his career. The two-time All-Star and reigning Natoinal League batting title winner will be highly sought after following another fantastic season that has him competing with Freddie Freeman to be MLB’s hit leader for 2022.
Team USA now has multiple options to play shortstop as the Chicago White Sox’s Tim Anderson previously committed to joining the roster and Boston Red Sox infielder Trevor Story has played most of his games at shortstop, but more recently he has been playing second base.
Regardless, Turner should be the favorite to start at the position as he is arguably MLB’s best shortstop, but his experience at second base could make him an option to start there as well. Either way, Team USA manager Mark DeRosa will have tough decisions to make.
Team USA schedule
Team USA is trying to win its second World Baseball Classic title after emerging victorious during the 2017 event with a dominant 8-0 victory over Puerto Rico in the championship game at Dodger Stadium.
They begin their title defense as part of Pool C at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona, from March 11-15, facing Canada, Colombia, Mexico and a to-be-determined qualifying team.
The Pool C winner and runner-up will advance to the quarterfinals in Miami, Florida, from March 17-18, to face off against the winner and runner-up of Pool D.
The fifth installment of the Classic takes place from March 8-21, 2023. loanDepot park in Miami will also host the semifinals and finals of the tournament from March 19-21.
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