Dodgers World Series Hero 1 Win Away from WBC Title Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith is on the verge of making history with Team USA, as the American squad stands just one victory away from claiming the World Baseball Classic title. The team has not secured a WBC championship since 2017, when they first won the tournament. With two of the three top contenders—Japan and the Dominican Republic—eliminated, Team USA remains the favorite to clinch the title. Smith, the sole representative of the Dodgers in the tournament, is the last remaining player from the team’s roster. Clayton Kershaw, who had initially been part of Team USA, was removed from the squad. Kershaw reflected on his decision to leave the team, stating, “It’s always been a bucket list thing for me to do this and put Team USA across my chest, be able to represent the country.” He emphasized the camaraderie among the players, noting, “You see the group of guys that signed up for it, so I think it’s the same for everybody, just to be able to be in the clubhouse, be able to hang out. Obviously, winning is super important to everybody and the intensity and all that stuff, but for me, just to kind of be a fly on the wall and get to hang out has been, it’s been a blast.” The path to the final has been challenging for Team USA, and they still face significant hurdles to become the second team in WBC history to win multiple titles. The final match is set for Tuesday, but the opponent remains uncertain. Team Italy and Team Venezuela will face off in the semifinals on Monday, with the winner advancing to face the United States. Team USA’s journey has included a loss to Italy in the group stage, and Venezuela, a strong contender, boasts a roster filled with All-Stars and elite talent.#world_baseball_classic #team_usa #los_angeles_dodgers #clayton_kershaw #will_smith
How many future Hall of Famers are playing in the 2026 WBC? The 2026 World Baseball Classic will feature a star-studded lineup of players who are already considered future Hall of Famers. Among them are some of the most decorated and accomplished athletes in the sport, including several who have already made their mark on the game. The tournament will serve as a showcase for these players, many of whom are in the final stages of their careers or have already reached the pinnacle of their profession. One of the most anticipated players is Clayton Kershaw, who will make his first appearance in the WBC after retiring from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Kershaw, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, is expected to be a key figure for the United States team, though his role may be more symbolic than competitive. Similarly, Shohei Ohtani, who is not yet eligible for the Hall of Fame, will represent Japan. Ohtani, a two-time MVP and one of the most versatile players in baseball history, will focus on his baseball career with the Dodgers rather than pitching for Japan. Aaron Judge, the New York Yankees’ slugger, is another standout player set to compete in the WBC. Judge, who has already won two MVP awards, is considered a strong candidate for the Hall of Fame despite his relatively late start to his professional career. His ability to consistently deliver at the highest level has made him a fan favorite and a potential future inductee. Manny Machado, the Dominican Republic’s star third baseman, is also expected to play in the tournament. Machado, who has already accumulated over 60 career WAR, is on the verge of securing his place in the Hall of Fame. His impressive statistics, including over 2,000 hits and 369 home runs, make him a strong contender for induction.#world_baseball_classic #shohei_ohtani #aaron_judge #manny_machado #clayton_kershaw
How many future Hall of Famers are playing in the 2026 WBC? The 2026 World Baseball Classic will feature a star-studded lineup of players who are already being discussed as potential Hall of Fame inductees. While some iconic names from past tournaments are absent, the competition includes a mix of current legends and rising stars. The event will serve as a stage for players who have already made their mark in the sport and are now poised to join baseball’s most revered ranks. Among the notable absences are Freddie Freeman, who opted out of the tournament after previously representing Canada, and Francisco Lindor and Carlos Correa, who were unable to secure injury insurance. Lindor’s injury to his hamate bone further complicated Puerto Rico’s roster, leaving a gap in their lineup. Meanwhile, the United States team has added exciting first-time participants like Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper, both of whom are already being considered for Cooperstown. The tournament will see several players who are already on the short list for the Hall of Fame. These athletes are categorized into tiers based on their likelihood of induction, with Tier 1 players being the most certain to be enshrined. Clayton Kershaw, now retired from the Los Angeles Dodgers, will make his WBC debut, though his role is expected to be ceremonial. Shohei Ohtani, though not yet eligible for the Hall of Fame, is a lock due to his historic achievements, including four MVP Awards. Aaron Judge, the New York Yankees’ star, is already being discussed as a future Hall of Famer. Despite starting his career later and facing injuries, his high WAR numbers and consistent performance have solidified his place among the elite. Manny Machado, representing the Dominican Republic, has accumulated over 61.#world_baseball_classic #freddie_freeman #francisco_lindor #carlos_correa #clayton_kershaw
