World Baseball Classic: Ranking the top 3 star-studded rosters

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 22: Marcus Stroman #6 of team United States is awarded with the MVP trophy after their 8-0 win over team Puerto Rico during Game 3 of the Championship Round of the 2017 World Baseball Classic at Dodger Stadium on March 22, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 22: Marcus Stroman #6 of team United States is awarded with the MVP trophy after their 8-0 win over team Puerto Rico during Game 3 of the Championship Round of the 2017 World Baseball Classic at Dodger Stadium on March 22, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
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It’s that time again! Teams are stacking up with players to represent their country in the 2023 World Baseball Classic and go for the win. Across several countries, the World Baseball Classic is a must-see event every time it rolls around.

Let’s take a look at the World Baseball Classic rosters and rank the top three rosters in the event

3. Team Venezuela

Coming in at number three on my list is Venezuela. The World Baseball Classic has been around since 2006 and you can always count on Venezuela to have a solid team. In 2023, the squad features Ronald Acuña Jr, Luis Arraez, Salvador Perez and Jose Altuve, along with more!

Infielders:

  • Salvador Perez
  • Robinson Chirinos
  • Omar Narvaez
  • Luis Arraez
  • Miguel Cabrera
  • Jose Altuve
  • Andres Gimenez
  • Miguel Rojas
  • Luis Rengifo
  • Eugenio Suarez
  • Gleyber Torres
  • Eduardo Escobar

Outfielders:

  • Ronald Acuña Jr
  • David Peralta
  • Anthony Santander

Starting Pitchers:

  • Max Castillo
  • Luis Garcia
  • Jhoulys Chacin
  • Jhonathan Diaz
  • Eleiser Hernandez
  • Pablo Lopez
  • Jesus Luzardo
  • German Marquez
  • Martin Perez
  • Eduardo Rodriguez
  • Ranger Suarez
  • Angel Zerpa

Relief Pitchers:

  • Silvino Bracho
  • Endrys Briceno
  • Enmanuel De Jesus
  • Norwith Gudino
  • Carlos Hernandez
  • Darwinzon Hernandez
  • Andres Machado
  • Jose Quijada
  • Jose Ruiz
  • Anthony Vizcaya

Potential Lineup:

  1. CF Ronald Acuna Jr
  2. 2B Jose Altuve
  3. 1B Luis Arraez
  4. C Salvador Perez
  5. DH Eugenio Suarez
  6. RF Anthony Santander
  7. LF David Peralta
  8. SS Gleyber Torres
  9. 3B Eduardo Escobar
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 14: Paul Goldschmidt #46 and Nolan Arenado #28 of the St. Louis Cardinals look on after the first inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field on September 14, 2021 in New York City. The Cardinals defeated the Mets 7-6 in eleven innings. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 14: Paul Goldschmidt #46 and Nolan Arenado #28 of the St. Louis Cardinals look on after the first inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field on September 14, 2021 in New York City. The Cardinals defeated the Mets 7-6 in eleven innings. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

2. Team USA

Coming in at number two on the list is Team USA. The reigning WBC champions are looking to win back-to-back trophies.

Here’s how they stack up.

Infielders:

  • JT Realmuto
  • Kyle Higashioka
  • Will Smith
  • Pete Alonso
  • Paul Goldschmidt
  • Tim Anderson
  • Trea Turner
  • Jeff McNeil
  • Trea Turner
  • Bobby Witt Jr.
  • Nolan Arenado

Outfielders:

  • Mookie Betts
  • Cedric Mullins
  • Kyle Schwarber
  • Mike Trout
  • Kyle Tucker

Starting Pitchers:

  • Nestor Cortes
  • Merrill Kelly
  • Clayton Kershaw
  • Lance Lynn
  • Miles Mikolas
  • Brady Singer
  • Adam Wainwright

Relief Pitchers:

  • Jason Adam
  • Daniel Bard
  • David Bednar
  • Kendall Graveman
  • Nick Martinez
  • Adam Ottavino
  • Ryan Pressly
  • Brooks Raley
  • Devin Williams

Potential Lineup:

  1. SS Trea Turner
  2. LF Mookie Betts
  3. CF Mike Trout
  4. 1B Paul Goldschmidt
  5. 3B Nolan Arenado
  6. DH Pete Alonso
  7. C J.T. Realmuto
  8. 2B Jeff McNeil
  9. RF Kyle Tucker
Sep 18, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; San Diego Padres designated hitter Manny Machado (13) celebrates with San Diego Padres right fielder Juan Soto (22) after hitting a two-run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; San Diego Padres designated hitter Manny Machado (13) celebrates with San Diego Padres right fielder Juan Soto (22) after hitting a two-run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Team Dominican Republic

Coming in at number one on this list is none other than Team Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic has housed Major League Baseball legends like David Ortiz, Robinson Cano, Albert Pujols, and many more. Every year, there are always excited players coming from the country.

Here is how they stack up as they look to bring home the trophy.

Infielders:

  • Gary Sanchez
  • Francisco Mejia
  • Robinson Cano
  • Rafael Devers
  • Wander Franco
  • Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
  • Manny Machado
  • Ketel Marte
  • Jeremy Peña
  • Jean Segura

Outfielders:

  • Juan Soto
  • Nelson Cruz
  • Teoscar Hernandez
  • Eloy Jimenez
  • Julio Rodriguez

Starting Pitchers:

  • Sandy Alcantara
  • Johnny Cueto
  • Christian Javier
  • Roansy Contreras

Relief Pitchers:

  • Bryan Abreu
  • Ronel Blanco
  • Genesis Cabrera
  • Diego Castillo
  • Enyel De Los Santos
  • Camilo Doval
  • Carlos Estevez
  • Jarlin Garcia
  • Luis Garcia
  • Yimi Garcia
  • Jose LeClerc
  • Rafael Montero
  • Hector Neris
  • Joel Payamps
  • Gregory Soto
  • Cesar Valdez

Potential Lineup:

  1. CF Julio Rodriguez
  2. LF Juan Soto
  3. 3B Manny Machado
  4. 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
  5. 2B Jose Ramirez
  6. DH Rafael Devers
  7. RF Teoscar Hernandez
  8. C Gary Sanchez
  9. SS Jeremy Peña

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