Trea Turner of The United States hits a grand slam during the eighth inning of a 2023 World Baseball Classic Quarterfinal game against Venezuela at loanDepot park on March 18, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
The 2023 World Baseball Classic has reached its end, as Japan defeated USA 3-2 to claim its third World Baseball Classic title. The tournament was filled with exciting moments that had everyone out of their seats.
There is no doubt that World Baseball Classic MVP Shohei Ohtani of Japan stole the show, but there were plenty of other players who showed up for their teams. The All-World Baseball Classic Team features players from Japan, Mexico, Cuba, USA, Cuba, Chinese Taipei, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela.
All-World Baseball Classic Team
3B -Yoan Moncada (Cuba)
Yoan Moncada of the Chicago White Sox had an impressive World Baseball Classic, batting .435 and leading Cuba in hits. Moncada and Alfredo Despaigne tied for the team lead in RBIs with five.
SS – Trea Turner (USA)
Trea Turner being selected for shortstop should come as no surprise. There came a point where every fan expected him to send the ball over the wall. Turner hit five home runs in six games played, including a mammoth go-ahead grand slam against Venezuela in the quarterfinals. Turner will head to Clearwater, Florida to join his new Philadelphia Phillies teammates.
2B – Javier Baez (Puerto Rico)
The Detroit Tigers second baseman helped lead Puerto Rico to the quarterfinals against Mexico, where they would be eliminated. Baez hit a solo home run against Mexico, and led Puerto Rico in total bases with 13.
1B – Yu Chang (Chinese Taipei)
Yu Chang stepped up for Chinese Taipei in a big way, hitting two home runs including an epic grand slam in round one against the Netherlands. Chang led the team with a .438 average. He will head to spring training and look to earn a roster spot with the Boston Red Sox.
LF – Randy Arozarena (Mexico)
Signing autographs mid-pitching change did not distract Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Randy Arozarena from putting on a show for Mexico. He robbed a home run in the semifinal game against Japan, and had nine RBIs throughout the World Baseball Classic.
CF – Mike Trout (USA)
Trout may have struck out a few more times than Los Angeles Angels fans are used to, but he still made a noticeable impact for Team USA. Trout had four extra-base hits in the WBC, including a three-run homer in a 12-1 blowout versus Canada.
RF – Masataka Yoshida (Japan)
Yoshida set a new World Baseball Classic record, driving in 13 runs. He finished the WBC with a .409 batting average and two home runs. He may have given the Boston Red Sox fan base a preview of what’s to come in 2023.
C – Salvador Perez (Venezuela)
The Kansas City Royals veteran hit .429 in the WBC, and led Venezuela in runs scored with five. His biggest swing of the tournament came against Puerto Rico, a three-run missile over the left field fence.
SP, DH – Shohei Ohtani (Japan)
The World Baseball Classic MVP shined brightly under pressure. The Los Angeles Angels two-way star led Japan in hits with 10, and struck out 11 in 9.2 innings pitched. He struck out his Angels teammate Mike Trout of team USA to secure the last out of the World Baseball Classic Championship.
P – Patrick Sandoval (Mexico)
Sandoval was outstanding for Mexico at the World Baseball Classic. In 7.1 innings of work, Sandoval struck out eight and allowed just one earned run. He looks to continue his dominance with the Los Angeles Angels in 2023.
P – Miguel Romero (Cuba)
The relief pitcher is the only member of the All-World Baseball Classic team who has not seen Major League Baseball action, reaching as high as Triple-A with the Las Vegas Aviators, an affiliate of the Oakland Athletics. Romero led Cuba with 13 strikeouts in 8.2 innings. He appeared in all five games Cuba played at the WBC.
