12 Red Sox will participate in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
It could’ve been more.
Trevor Story was committed to Team USA before he injured his elbow. Prospect Ceddane Rafaela was a possibility for Team Netherlands, but he’ll be in Red Sox spring training. Ryan Sherriff was rumored to be on Team Israel’s roster, but newcomer Richard Bleier is instead.
411 of the 2023 World Baseball Classic
If you’re interested in seeing what Masataka Yoshida brings to the Red Sox, you’ll have to watch the World Baseball Classic, which will also include numerous former Sox.
Red Sox Playing in the 2023 World Baseball Classic
Nick Pivetta (Canada); Jarren Duran, Alex Verdugo (Mexico); (Puerto Rico) Enrique Hernandez, Edwin Diaz (minor leaguer, not Mets’ closer); Rafael Devers (Dominican Republic); Norwith Gudino (Venezuela, non-roster invitee to spring training); Masataka Yoshida (Japan); Richard Bleier (Israel); Kenley Jansen (Netherlands); (Colombia) Jorge Alfaro (veteran on a minor league contract), Rio Gomez (minor leaguer)
Kenley Jansen reportedly will only join the Netherlands if they advance out of pool play.
Notable Former Sox Also Participating
Mookie Betts, Kyle Schwarber, Daniel Bard, Nathan Eovaldi, Adam Ottavino (USA); Xander Bogaerts (Netherlands); Jonathan Arauz (Panama); Tzu-Wei Lin (Chinese Taipei); Christian Vázquez, Yacksel Rios (Puerto Rico); Darwinzon Hernandez, Eduardo Rodriguez, Martin Perez (Venezuela); Ryan Lavarnway (Israel); Yoan Moncada, Roenis Elias (Cuba)
2023 World Baseball Classic Rules, Dates, Locations, Etc
The fifth-ever WBC will consist of 20 teams, up from 16 in previous WBCs. The 20 teams will be split into four pools of five, with each team playing pool opponents once. The top two teams from each pool advance. Pool play will take place in Taiwan (Pool A), Japan (Pool B), Phoenix (Pool C), and Miami (Pool D) starting March 8. The championship game will be on March 21.
Team rosters for the 2023 World Baseball Classic consist of 30 players, including at least 14 pitchers and two catchers. The three-batter minimum, universal DH, replay review, and phantom runner in extra innings will all be in effect. There will be no limits on mound visits and shifts and no pitch clock.
There will still be plenty of household names at Red Sox spring training this year and plenty of opportunities to watch them if the WBC isn’t for you.
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