It took them a while, but the Team USA finally lived up to the expectations. Thanks to impressive wins against Japan and Puerto Rico, USA won the 2017 World Baseball Classic. It was tougher than expected, but the American team and manager Jim Leyland showed they can step their game up when it mattered the most.
However, the title was far from a sure thing. USA didn’t have their best players, but several stars looked engaged with the tournament. And all signs indicate they will have an even better roster heading into the 2021 edition of the event. After all, USA will defend their crown. Wouldn’t you want the best team available in that scenario?
Here’s how Team USA might lineup for the 2021 World Baseball Classic, assuming no one declines the invitation:
Infield: Anthony Rizzo, Dee Gordon, Corey Seager, Nolan Arenado
Sure, Dee Gordon doesn’t exactly look like a sexy option. But he’s a capable defender, and his speed would give the team quite a boost at the top of the lineup. Seager is a future All-Star and Gold Glove winner who finished third in the NL MVP voting as a rookie. Rizzo is widely considered one of the top first baseman in the league, and the same can be said for Arenado. You would have defense and offense with those four players.
Outfield: Mookie Betts, Mike Trout, Bryce Harper
The second-placed AL MVP, the reigning AL MVP and the 2015 NL MVP. Enough said? Betts is a five-tool player and an on-base machine that seems to do everything well. Harper is coming off a down year, but he remains one of the best hitters in all of baseball. And Trout is already a legend, and there’s no question he’ll be even better in four more years. Trout already said he plans to play in 2021.
Catcher: Buster Posey
Posey remains the best catcher in baseball, and it’s not even close. It remains to be seen whether he’ll still be a full-time catcher in four more years considering the wear-and-tear of the position, though. But chances are he will, and if that’s the case, then he needs to be included. He has the leadership to control a rotation that would be full of aces, and he’s more than capable with the bat, too. Normally you wouldn’t expect offense coming from the catcher position, but that would be a nice bonus.
Designated Hitter: Kris Bryant
Bryant could easily be the choice for third base, but Arenado is better defensively so he gets the nod. But there has to be a way to put Bryant into the mix, so he gets the DH job by default. His teammate Kyle Schwarber could easily be a choice as well, but Bryant offers positional versatility since he can cover 3B and the outfield as well. With the bat, the reigning NL MVP is a threat who could easily have a few 40 HR seasons by 2021.
Bench: Adam Jones, Paul Goldschmidt, Addison Russell, J.T. Realmuto
The bench would have versatility and power. There’s the outfielder who excels defensively in Jones. We also have the backup first baseman and potent bat in Goldschmidt. The 23-year-old J.T. Realmuto would be an excellent backup catcher. And there’s Russell, who can play SS and 2B with equal ease. Considering the positional versatility others – like Bryant and Seager – offer in the roster, this seems like a bench that’s decent enough to scare opposing teams.
Rotation: Clayton Kershaw, Max Scherzer, Madison Bumgarner, Gerrit Cole, Chris Sale
One of the best weapons for Team USA in the WBC was their rotation. However, it was clear that group was far from being the one fans wanted to see. Out of this group only Max Scherzer said he wanted to pitch in the WBC. But seriously, who would try to matchup with this rotation? Kershaw, Scherzer and Bumgarner would make a formidable top three. Chris Sale is one of the most consistent pitchers in the game. And Cole has the upside to become one of the best starters in the Majors sooner than later. We are leaving pitchers like Jon Lester, Jake Arrieta and Justin Verlander out of the equation since they might not be at their best by 2021.
Bullpen: Zach Britton and six more
Bullpens are tricky to predict. However, one thing we DO know is that Zach Britton would need to be the closer. The Baltimore Orioles’ pitcher has been dominant over the past two years, and nothing suggests he’ll stop any time soon. The other six relievers can be chosen on their recent form. But if we had to pick some right now, then names like Andrew Miller, Cody Allen, Craig Kimbrel, Chris Devenski and Ken Giles would make the cut.
And you? Who would you choose as your WBC roster for Team USA in 2021?