The 2017 World Baseball Classic started this week, in case you baseball fans didn’t know. Even though it’s sandwiched right in the middle of Spring Training, it’s a fun tournament worth watching. After all, we get to see players represent their National Teams, and who knows? Maybe we can find the next diamond in the rough who hasn’t made it to The Show yet.
Without further ado, here are five players worth watching in the tournament.
Yoelkis Cespedes – Cuba: No, this is not a typo. Yoelkis Cespedes is Yoenis’ half-brother, and the resemblance is noticeable as soon as he steps into the plate. He’s a capable fielder, a threat with the bat and he can run the bases, too. Granted, Cuba’s roster would look better if their MLB players could represent the National Team. But since they can’t, Cuba has to play with whatever’s left available. But Yoelkis stands out on his own, and it shouldn’t be long before he takes his talents stateside. He was one of the best players in the Serie del Caribe, and has enough tools to make an impact at the upper level.
Didi Gregorius – Nethelands: We all know Didi Gregorius from his days with the New York Yankees as a talented middle infielder who can play second and short. However, he’s a whole different player on the international stage. Maybe it’s because he hasn’t faced big-league level pitchers yet, but Gregorious has been impressive for the Netherlands. They already clinched a berth into the second round of the World Baseball Classic, and he played a big part on that. A good performance could lead him into more playing time with the Yanks.
Manny Machado – Dominican Republic: It’s incredibly hard to select just one player from the star-studded Dominican roster. However, Manny Machado gets the nod. Even though he was eligible to play for Team USA, Machado chose to honor his mother and agreed to join the reigning champions. It’s not like they don’t have talent, though. DR already featured players like Robinson Cano, Adrian Beltre, Nelson Cruz, Starling Marte and Jose Bautista. Still, it’s worth watching Machado play anywhere. He’s one of the biggest talents in MLB, and he should be in the AL MVP conversation as soon as this season.
Giancarlo Stanton – United States: Speaking of talented big leaguers who will participate in the event, we can’t forget about Stanton. The oft-injured outfielder once again had problems to play the entire year with Miami Marlins last year, but he’s healthy this time. And he has a powerful bat ready to smash baseballs in the international stage. Granted, Team USA won’t have their biggest stars in the tournament, but they will have a very good team nonetheless. Stanton will be one of the team’s biggest hopes on offense next to Nolan Arenado. It remains to be seen if he’s able to handle the pressure of being the team’s primary offensive weapon. But if he does, then Team USA could turn a few heads around.
Miguel Cabrera – Venezuela: Along with Dominican Republic, Japan and Puerto Rico, Venezuela is among the candidates to win the trophy. However, La Vinotinto hasn’t been able to live up to the expectations in the past editions of the tournament. This year might be different, though. With a core full of established veterans and a deadly offense, Venezuela is a serious title contender. And who else to watch than Miguel Cabrera on this team? Arguably the best pure hitter in the Majors, Cabrera will be Venezuela’s compass on offense and the team will go as he goes. If he gets hot early on, that’s going to be a good thing because Venezuela needs him if they want to win the title.