Before the MLB season starts, the World Baseball Classic will be the event that everybody will be watching.
The fifth edition of the tournament appears to be star-studded, as nearly every country is doing its best to recruit as much major-league-caliber talent as possible.
The United States had some issues recruiting players for the 2017 edition of the Classic, which they ended up winning anyway.
They have had much better luck this time around, though.
Players such as J.T. Realmuto, Will Smith, Paul Goldschmidt, Pete Alonso, Trevor Story, Tim Anderson, Bobby Witt Jr., Nolan Arenado, Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, Cedric Mullins, Kyle Tucker, Bryce Harper, Mike Trout, Mookie Betts, Nestor Cortes Jr., Adam Wainwright, Devin Williams, Logan Webb, and several more have committed to defend Team USA’s uniform in March.
Harper and Story, however, won’t be available because of injury.
Manager Mark DeRosa is already working on recruiting a replacement for the Boston Red Sox infielder: New York Mets star Jeff McNeil.
“News: @USABaseball manager Mark DeRosa said on @MLBNetwork that he has talked with @Mets 2B/OF Jeff McNeil about joining the @WBCBaseball roster following the injury to Trevor Story. DeRosa also said Mookie Betts — already on the U.S. roster — will play some 2B,” MLB insider Jon Morosi tweeted.
News: @USABaseball manager Mark DeRosa said on @MLBNetwork that he has talked with @Mets 2B/OF Jeff McNeil about joining the @WBCBaseball roster following the injury to Trevor Story.
DeRosa also said Mookie Betts — already on the U.S. roster — will play some 2B. @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) January 17, 2023
McNeil would be a fine addition to the roster.
He is versatile, as he can play second and third base plus left field, and his high-contact bat gives the lineup a different dimension.
He led MLB in batting average this past season and is a perennial .300 hitter with some power.
He could look very good near the top of the lineup if he gets the chance to represent his country.
Will DeRosa be able to lure him?
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