3 MLB prospects leading 3 World Baseball Classic underdogs

The World Baseball Classic will begin this weekend in North America, and many countries with a WBC team have an uphill battle before them.The WBC, however, is the perfect place for young talent, grinding it out in the minors, to prove their MLB futures and get themselves promoted to the show. Three of these WBC prospects, with prime opportunities to showcase their talents, and impress their clubs come to mind.

World Baseball Classic prospect: Vinnie Pasquantino, 1B, Team Italy

Vinnie Pasquantino was called up to Kansas City to play first base in 2022. He is one of the Royals’ most dynamic and powerful hitters, with many calling him one of the best up-and-coming prospects. Slugging .450 with 10 homers in 258 at-bats with the Royals last season, he is a pure left-handed power hitter with a tremendous swing.

Not only is Pasquantino a fun name to say, but he also has been a blast to watch in the WBC, playing for Mike Piazza and the Italians. He is hands-down the most exciting player on the Italy WBC team … if he can get the hang of the pitch speed in the metric system. Pasquantino tweeted he was having some trouble with the math. “Anybody have a chart of KM to MPH for pitcher’s velocity? Don’t really want to do division while at the plate.” It’s alright Vinnie … math is hard.

Pasquantino showcasing his dominant plate presence on the world stage will push him high up the fantasy draft boards this year. I’m anticipating a .277/24/75/80 stat line for the Royals first baseman this season.

World Baseball Classic prospect: Jose Ramos, OF, Team Panama

Jose Ramos signed with the Dodgers in 2018 at just 17 years old. He currently ranks eighth on the MLB.com ranking of Dodgers prospects. Ramos has excellent right-handed power and blazing speed, blasting 25 homers and 97 RBI in High-A last season.

Now 22, the 6-foot-1 Ramos has been on display for Panama’s WBC team. This will serve as a prime opportunity for him to put his skills and maturity at the plate on display. If he can provide some adequate pop and get Panama into the second round, he could see himself in the Dodgers lineup come Opening Day. Ramos may soon be the answer to some of the questions surrounding the future of the Los Angeles outfield.

World Baseball Classic prospect: Harry Ford, C, Team United Kingdom

Seattle’s top prospect is Harrison Ford. No, not Han Solo, but a 5-foot-10 catcher with great range. Ford was the 12th overall pick in the 2019 MLB draft and has been tearing up the minors ever since. He’s considered to be the most talented prospect in the Mariners organization.

Ford batted .274 with 11 homers with Low-A Modesto last season. Harrison is expected to start for the UK’s WBC team when it opens play in Arizona. If he can excel against the WBC competition, it will dramatically expedite him to the Mariners roster.

These guys are likely to be sure-fire studs in the MLB soon. But, for now, the world will watch these WBC prospects in baseball’s most celebrated international tournament. As everyone is looking for the next hotspot of global talent, these guys are not just playing for themselves or their teams but they are also playing for every young baseball player hoping to get scouted in their country.