As we move closer to the start of spring training, there are a lot of things taking place in the baseball world that will generate excitement, and not all of it centers around the start of the 2023 MLB season.
The World Baseball Classic will be making its triumphant return after it was cancelled in 2021 due to the pandemic.
Mike Trout will be one of several stars representing the American national team this coming March.
On Friday, the Los Angeles Angels superstar had a chance to talk with Christopher Russo, otherwise known as “The Mad Dog.”
The 31-year-old expressed his excitement for the Classic and discussed why it made sense for him to take part in it.
"I didn't even really think twice about it."
🇺🇸 Captain @MikeTrout knew this was his time to put on that @USABaseball jersey for the 2023 #WorldBaseballClassic. pic.twitter.com/CZixfUFAKI
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 20, 2023
The veteran slugger will be the captain of the American team this March.
He will be joined by stars such as Paul Goldschmidt, Nolan Arenado, Nestor Cortes, Cedric Mullins, J.T. Realmuto, Adam Wainwright, and others.
Trout talked about how he never really thought twice about joining the team and that it was simply a no-brainer for him.
The three-time American League MVP also mentioned that he was on the fence about taking part in the WBC back in 2017, when Team USA won the title.
The slugger ultimately decided not to do it and said that he regretted that decision.
Trout also talked about how this spring training is going to be a little bit different than in years past, given that players competing in the Classic will arrive early to camp, but he expressed confidence in his ability to adapt and to put together a plan to be prepared for 2023.
