The World Baseball Classic has provided fans with some thrilling moments and performances over the years. Here’s a breakdown of the 10 best performances in the history of the tournament:
No. 10: Masataka Yoshida (2023)
Several players posted slightly higher OPS marks in 2023, but few were as clutch as Yoshida. He set a World Baseball Classic record with 13 RBIs while hitting .409/.531/.727 with two home runs.
His signature moment came in the semifinals against Mexico. With Japan trailing 3-0 in the seventh inning and two outs, Yoshida launched a game-tying three-run homer to shift the momentum. He also drew a walk in the ninth inning that helped spark Japan’s walk-off rally in the next at-bat. While Shohei Ohtani drew much of the attention, Japan does not win the 2023 title without Yoshida’s timely production.
No. 9: Seung-Yuop Lee (2006)
The Yomiuri Giants first baseman starred for South Korea in the inaugural tournament. In seven games, he hit .333/.414/.958 with five home runs and 10 RBIs, powering Korea to the semifinals.
His five home runs remain tied for the most in a single World Baseball Classic. The KBO all-time home run leader showcased elite power on an international stage few had experienced before.
No. 8: Daisuke Matsuzaka (2006)
One of the breakout stars of the first World Baseball Classic was Matsuzaka, who was drawing significant MLB interest ahead of his eventual posting after the 2006 season.
He made three starts, throwing 13 innings with 10 strikeouts and a 1.38 ERA. Matsuzaka started Japan’s championship win over Cuba and earned the victory, establishing himself as a global star in the process.
No. 7: Robinson Canó (2013)
After a stunning first-round exit in 2009 — including a loss to the Netherlands in San Juan — the Dominican Republic arrived in 2013 seeking redemption. Canó delivered.
He posted a 1.296 OPS with two home runs and six RBIs, leading the Dominican Republic to an undefeated run and their first World Baseball Classic championship. Canó was named tournament MVP.
No. 6: Hisashi Iwakuma (2009)
Overshadowed by Daisuke Matsuzaka’s second straight MVP award, Iwakuma arguably delivered the stronger overall performance in 2009.
He logged 20 innings with a 1.35 ERA and 15 strikeouts — one of the heaviest workloads in World Baseball Classic history. In the championship game against South Korea, Iwakuma threw 7 2/3 innings, allowing two runs with six strikeouts. Though Korea tied the game in the ninth inning, his dominant outing positioned Japan for its eventual 5-3 victory in 10 innings.
No. 5: Trea Turner (2023)
On a star-studded U.S. roster, Turner stood out. In 23 at-bats, he posted a 1.483 OPS and tied a World Baseball Classic record with five home runs, adding 11 RBIs.
His go-ahead grand slam against Venezuela in the eighth inning of the quarterfinals produced one of the most memorable swings in tournament history. Turner homered in all three knockout-round games. Had the United States won the championship, he likely would have been the MVP.
No. 4: Kenta Maeda (2013)
Following the dominance of Matsuzaka in the first two tournaments, Japan turned to a new ace in 2013. The Hiroshima Carp standout answered the call.
Maeda went 2-1 with a 0.60 ERA and 18 strikeouts in 15 innings across three starts. He allowed one run over five innings against Puerto Rico in the semifinals but took a tough-luck loss. His performance helped anchor Japan’s pitching staff throughout the tournament.
No. 3: Ken Griffey Jr. (2006)
Though past his prime by 2006, Griffey turned back the clock in his only World Baseball Classic appearance. In six games, he posted a 1.631 OPS with three home runs and 10 RBIs.
Even though the United States did not reach the championship round, Griffey embraced the global spotlight and delivered one of the tournament’s most electric offensive showings.
No. 2: Wladimir Balentien (2017)
Balentien produced arguably the greatest pure offensive performance in World Baseball Classic history while nearly carrying the Netherlands to the championship game.
In 26 at-bats, he recorded a tournament-record 1.793 OPS among players with at least 20 at-bats. His four home runs and 12 RBIs were each one shy of the all-time World Baseball Classic single-tournament record. The Nippon Professional Baseball single-season home run record holder delivered a performance for the ages.
No. 1: Shohei Ohtani (2023)
There was only one choice for the top spot.
Ohtani delivered a two-way performance unlike any other in World Baseball Classic history. At the plate, he hit .435/.606/.739 with one home run and eight RBIs. His leadoff double in the ninth inning of the semifinal against Mexico ignited the rally that ended with a walk-off double.
On the mound, he appeared in three games, including two starts. He started Japan’s quarterfinal victory over Italy and closed out the championship game against the United States, striking out Mike Trout to secure the title in a moment that will endure as one of the most iconic in international baseball.
Ohtani finished with 9 2/3 innings pitched, 11 strikeouts and a 1.86 ERA — a tournament-defining performance from the sport’s biggest star
Photo: Japan’s Shohei Ohtani receives the World Baseball Classic trophy on behalf of the team after defeating the United States in the World Baseball Classic championship game
