Team USA is ready for the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
The tournament has already started, but USA’s first game is on Saturday against Great Britain.
America won the last edition of the WBC in 2017, and they would love to repeat as champions and tie Japan with two titles.
To do that, they will have several stars at their disposal: Mike Trout, Mookie Betts, Paul Goldschmidt, Nolan Arenado, Will Smith, Kyle Tucker, Cedric Mullins, Lance Lynn, Adam Wainwright, Devin Williams, and many more.
Of course, they will also have Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto.
This picture of Realmuto with his catching gear in action is everything that is right in the world.
JT Realmuto lookin' sharp 🇺🇸🦅 pic.twitter.com/ebsh4FOSND
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 8, 2023
He almost looks like Captain America!
Well, it would be somewhat of a symbolic moniker, since Team USA’s captain will actually be Mike Trout.
Realmuto, however, is just as important for the team.
A catcher who can be an elite hitter and an even better defender is a rare commodity, and the soon-to-be 32-year-old backstop fits that description.
He was one of the most important players in the Phillies’ deep playoff run last year, with 22 homers, 21 steals, and some of the best framing numbers in baseball.
Realmuto is the complete package: he can hit for average and power, he takes his walks, he has a great arm, knows how to manage a pitching staff, and steals strikes through framing.
He is definitely an asset to Team USA as they look for their second straight WBC title.
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