The World Baseball Classic is quickly approaching, and players have started to announce their allegiances. Some players, including four-time All-Star George Springer, will have to make choices regarding their eligibility.
Springer is being recruited by Panama but is eligible to play for the United States and Puerto Rico as well. His mother is Puerto Rican, and his grandfather is Panamanian. According to USA Baseball, Springer represented the United States on the Collegiate National Team in 2010. He hit .292 with 18 RBI and seven doubles for the team.
Springer was on the provisional roster for the United States in 2017, but skipped the tournament. He is hitting .316/.419/.541 this year with four home runs. Springer is tied with Chase Utley and Reggie Jackson for the most home runs in a single World Series. He hit five home runs in the 2017 World Series.
The 2026 World Baseball Classic would be Springer’s debut in the tournament. He has a .821 career OPS and 265 home runs. He has 12 years of big league experience. He has two Silver Sluggers and a World Series MVP to his name.
History says he will choose to represent the United States, should that opportunity arise.
