MLB Rule Allowing Dodgers to Carry 14 Pitchers Sparks Debate Chicago — Major League Baseball’s rule permitting the Los Angeles Dodgers to maintain a 14-pitcher active roster due to Shohei Ohtani’s two-way player designation has drawn criticism from Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell, who called the policy “bizarre.” The rule, which allows teams to carry 13 pitchers from Opening Day through August 31 and 14 pitchers from September 1 onward, creates an exception for Ohtani, who does not count as a pitcher under the two-way player classification. The Dodgers, the reigning World Series champions, have leveraged this designation to field 14 pitchers on their active roster, a number exceeding the standard limit for most teams. Counsell, questioned about the 13-pitcher restriction before the Cubs’ 5-1 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies, expressed confusion over the rule’s rationale. “It’s a rule to help offense, I think, more than anything,” he said, adding that the exception for the Dodgers “is probably the most bizarre rule. For one team.” The two-way player designation, established by MLB, requires athletes to meet specific criteria: at least 20 innings pitched in the majors and 20 starts as a position player or designated hitter with three plate appearances in each game. These thresholds must be achieved in the current season or any of the two preceding seasons. Ohtani, 31, is the sole active player meeting these conditions, as the rule was implemented for the 2020 season. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts defended the designation, stating it benefits the team by allowing them to field a player capable of both pitching and hitting. “We’re more than willing for other teams to find a player who can do both,” Roberts said. “He’s an exception because he’s an exceptional player. It is what it is.#chicago_cubs #shohei_ohtani #los_angeles_dodgers #major_league_baseball #craig_counsell
Mets-Dodgers is matchup of MLB's biggest payrolls The New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers are set to face off in what is shaping up to be the most expensive series in Major League Baseball history. The 2026 matchup features the two teams with the highest competitive balance tax (CBT) payrolls in the league, with the Mets carrying a $375 million-plus CBT payroll and the Dodgers holding the MLB-high $413.5 million CBT payroll. When combined with their respective tax bills, the total player expenditure for the 2026 season exceeds $1.07 billion, marking a historic financial showdown in baseball. The Dodgers’ 2026 CBT payroll alone surpasses the combined payrolls of the bottom four teams in MLB—the Chicago White Sox, Tampa Bay Rays, Cleveland Guardians, and Miami Marlins. Meanwhile, the Mets’ payroll eclipses the combined totals of the Chicago Cubs, Cleveland Guardians, and Tampa Bay Rays. The Dodgers’ estimated tax bill for 2026 is $161.9 million, which is higher than the total tax payrolls of 12 other teams, while the Mets’ $120 million tax bill exceeds the combined tax payrolls of six teams. The combined salaries of the four highest-paid players on both teams—Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, Kyle Tucker, and Bo Bichette—exceed the total payroll of 14 MLB teams. This figure is within $400,000 of the Seattle Mariners’ payroll, which ranks as the second-highest in the league. The New York Yankees are the only team besides the Mets with a payroll within $100 million of the Dodgers’ total. The Philadelphia Phillies rank fourth in the league at $312.7 million, which is $100.8 million less than the Dodgers’ payroll. The 2026 series is the most expensive in MLB history, surpassing the previous record set in 2025 when the Mets and Dodgers combined for a $764 million payroll.#shohei_ohtani #los_angeles_dodgers #juan_soto #new_york_mets #kyle_tucker
Los Angeles Dodgers Return to Toronto for World Series Rematch The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to face the Toronto Blue Jays in a three-game series starting Monday night at Rogers Centre, marking a potential World Series rematch just one year after the Dodgers’ dramatic Game 7 victory in Toronto. The matchup has drawn significant attention, as both teams have made strategic moves to strengthen their rosters and prepare for the 2026 season. The Blue Jays, seeking redemption after their heartbreaking loss to the Dodgers in the 2025 World Series, are now tasked with overcoming the challenges of a rebuilt roster and lingering injuries, while the Dodgers aim to solidify their position as baseball’s dominant force. The Dodgers, who won their second consecutive World Series title in 2025, have continued to invest heavily in their roster since the end of the season. Sonja Chen, a Dodgers beat reporter for MLB.com, highlighted that the team spent millions to upgrade its outfield and bullpen while retaining its core championship group. Key additions include Edwin Díaz, the top free-agent closer signed to a three-year, $69 million deal, and Kyle Tucker, a four-time All-Star outfielder who joined the Dodgers on a four-year, $240 million contract. These signings, along with re-signed players like Miguel Rojas and Enrique Hernández, have positioned the Dodgers as a formidable contender for a third straight title. The Blue Jays, meanwhile, are navigating a rebuilding phase after their 2025 World Series heartbreak. While they have made strides in improving their lineup, they face the challenge of overcoming injuries and adapting to a new era of competition.#shohei_ohtani #los_angeles_dodgers #toronto_blue_jays #rogers_centre #sonja_chen
Dodgers Return to Toronto for World Series Rematch The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to face the Toronto Blue Jays in a highly anticipated series in Toronto, marking a rematch of the 2025 World Series. The matchup carries significant weight, as the Dodgers, who recently secured their second consecutive championship, return to the same venue where they clinched the title in a dramatic Game 7. The Blue Jays, meanwhile, are eager to reclaim their footing after a challenging start to the season. The Dodgers enter the series with a strong 7-2 record, leading the National League West. Their recent performance has been a stark contrast to earlier concerns about their offensive capabilities. Over the past week, the team has found its rhythm, culminating in a three-game sweep of the Washington Nationals. This surge has solidified their identity as a potent lineup capable of sustained production. Shohei Ohtani, the two-way star, has become a key asset, contributing both as a pitcher and hitter. His presence has allowed the team to maintain balance, even when he isn’t the focal point. Freddie Freeman continues to anchor the offense with timely hits and extra-base power, while the depth of the roster has emerged as a critical factor. Players like Andy Pages and role contributors have stepped up in meaningful moments, helping the Dodgers navigate close games with patience and resilience. The pitching staff has also played a vital role in supporting the offense. While not without flaws, the starters have kept games within reach, and the bullpen has minimized damage in critical situations. The Dodgers’ ability to absorb setbacks and adapt has been evident, particularly in their Sunday comeback win. They overcame a five-run deficit by building innings and creating pressure, rather than relying on a single swing.#shohei_ohtani #los_angeles_dodgers #toronto_blue_jays #freddie_freeman #mookie_betts
Fantasy Baseball: Ideal First Two Picks for Every Draft Position Fantasy baseball managers worldwide are preparing for their drafts as the 2026 season approaches, aiming to secure the best talent for championship contention. With Opening Day fast approaching, the focus shifts to strategic drafting, particularly the first two picks for each draft position. Experts Tristan H. Cockcroft and Eric Karabell have outlined their ideal selections for both points-based and rotisserie leagues, offering insights into maximizing fantasy value. In points-based leagues, Cockcroft recommends Shohei Ohtani as the first pick, citing his potential to dominate as a two-way player. Ohtani, recovering from elbow surgery, is projected to deliver 911 combined fantasy points, close to his 2022 output. His versatility as a pitcher and hitter makes him a top-tier asset, especially in ESPN leagues. For the second pick, Cockcroft suggests Bryan Woo or Kyle Schwarber, both formidable sluggers. Their selection hinges on confidence in Ohtani’s ability to meet his projected 28 starts. Karabell, focusing on rotisserie formats, also prioritizes Ohtani as the first pick, emphasizing his unparalleled value across categories. He highlights Junior Caminero as the second pick, noting the young hitter’s power and potential. Caminero’s 45 home runs and 110 RBIs in his age-21 season, despite playing in a minor-league park, underscore his upside. Karabell stresses that Caminero’s power should translate regardless of ballpark, making him a cornerstone for any roster. For the second round in points leagues, Cockcroft pairs Aaron Judge with Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Judge’s consistent performance over four seasons—totaling 2,176 points—positions him as a must-draft.#shohei_ohtani #tristan_h_cockcroft #eric_karabell #bryan_wo #kyle_schwarber
San Diego Padres vs Los Angeles Dodgers Spring Training Game: How to Watch and Key Updates The San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers are set to face off in a Cactus League spring training matchup on Friday, March 20, 2026, at Camelback Ranch in Phoenix, Arizona. The game will begin at 9:05 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on MLB.TV, with streaming options available through Fubo. The Dodgers, currently leading the league in the Cactus League, will host the Padres, who are competing for a top spot in the standings. The Dodgers have dominated the spring training season, sitting at the top of the standings after 26 games. They are one game ahead of the San Francisco Giants and 2.5 games up on the Texas Rangers. On Wednesday, they secured a 5-1 victory over the Giants in eight innings, with Shohei Ohtani delivering a standout performance. Ohtani pitched 4.1 innings, allowing just one hit and striking out four batters while keeping the scoreline clean. The game was completed by five relievers, with Tanner Scott closing the frame, allowing one earned run and striking out two. Offensively, the Dodgers have been led by Teoscar Hernandez and Nick Senzel. Hernandez is tied for the team lead with three home runs, batting .450 and driving in a team-high 16 RBIs. Senzel follows closely behind with three home runs, 11 RBIs, and a .265 average. The team’s success has also been bolstered by contributions from other players, including the recent win by Matt Waldron, who earned his first relief victory with a 2.0-inning performance allowing one earned run on two hits and two strikeouts. The Padres, meanwhile, are in a tight race for the Cactus League title, currently 0.5 games behind the Chicago White Sox and three games back from the Giants. They are also four games behind the Dodgers.#shohei_ohtani #los_angeles_dodgers #san_diego_padres #camelback_ranch #teoscar_hernandez
Venezuela remonta y sorprende a Shohei Ohtani y a Japón, para ir a semis de Clásico Mundial Venezuela logró una histórica remontada para vencer a Japón por 8-5 en el Clásico Mundial de Béisbol y avanzar a las semifinales del torneo, el sábado 14 de marzo de 2026. El triunfo, que marcó su primer paso a la ronda de los cuatro mejores desde 2009, también aseguró su lugar en el grupo de seis naciones para el torneo olímpico de béisbol de 2028, junto con Estados Unidos y la República Dominicana. El partido fue definido por un espectacular jonrón de tres carreras de Wilyer Abreu en el sexto inning, que dio a Venezuela una ventaja de 7-5. Este fue el primer cuadrangular del torneo para Abreu, quien conectó la pelota ante el lanzador Hiromi Itoh, aprovechando una recta de cuatro costuras con cuenta de 2-1. La carrera se registró a 409 pies hacia el jardín derecho, consolidando el liderazgo de Venezuela en la parte final del encuentro. La remontada venezolana fue encabezada por Maikel García, quien abrió la remontada con un cuadrangular de dos anotaciones en el quinto acto, acercando a su equipo a 5-4. El partido se decidió en la octava entrada, cuando Ezequiel Tovar añadió un doble y aprovechó un error de Atsuki Taneichi para poner el marcador 8-5. Shohei Ohtani, el Jugador Más Valioso del Clásico Mundial de 2023, no fue suficiente para Japón, que vio interrumpida su racha de 11 victorias consecutivas en el torneo. Ohtani conectó su tercer jonrón del certamen en el primer inning, elevando un slider 2-1 de Ranger Suárez y enviando la pelota a 427 pies por el jardín central. Sin embargo, Japón no logró mantener la ventaja, ya que Ronald Acuña Jr. disparó un cuadrangular en el segundo lanzamiento de Yoshinobu Yamamoto, rompiendo el empate.#venezuela #clsico_mundial #shohei_ohtani #japon #wilyer_abreu
El manager de la selección de béisbol de Japón, Hirokazu Ibata, anunció su renuncia tras la eliminación de su equipo en los cuartos de final del Clásico Mundial de Béisbol, donde cayó derrotado por 8-5 ante Venezuela el 14 de marzo de 2026 en Miami. La decisión fue confirmada por el diario Sports Hochi, que citó a Ibata como diciendo que su intención era dejar el cargo tras el resultado. Japón, campeón defensor del torneo y con un historial de tres títulos, no logró superar las rondas iniciales por primera vez en la historia del evento. A pesar de contar con un plantel repleto de jugadores de las Grandes Ligas, incluido el estelar Shohei Ohtani, el equipo no alcanzó las semifinales. Antes de la derrota en Miami, Japón había mostrado una sólida actuación en el Grupo C, con victorias consecutivas sobre Taiwán, Corea del Sur, Australia y la República Checa, registrando una marca de 4-0 en los partidos celebrados en Tokio. Ibata, en declaraciones citadas por Sports Hochi, expresó que el resultado de la eliminatoria era fundamental, pero destacó su confianza en el futuro del béisbol japonés. “Aunque perdimos esta vez, espero que Japón se haga más fuerte y gane la próxima vez”, afirmó. El manager reconoció la importancia de la derrota como un punto de partida para mejorar, aunque no especificó detalles sobre su plan de acción tras la renuncia. El equipo japonés contó con otros destacados jugadores de las Grandes Ligas, como Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Seiya Suzuki, Yusei Kikuchi, Masataka Yoshida, Muneyuki Murakami, Kazuma Okamoto y Tomoyuki Sogano. Estos atletas, combinados con talento local, habían sido considerados una de las principales opciones para competir por el título.#shohei_ohtani #hirokazu_ibata #sports_hochi #japon #clsico_mundial_de_bisbol
Massive Red Sox Prospect Mentored by David Ortiz Making Waves David Ortiz, the Hall of Fame slugger, has remained a towering figure in baseball even after retiring, offering guidance to young players in Red Sox camp. His influence recently extended to a 19-year-old prospect, Justin Gonzales, who has stunned the league with his raw talent and potential. Standing at 6-foot-6 and 277 pounds, Gonzales has emerged as one of the Red Sox’s top prospects, currently ranked No. 6 by MLB Pipeline. His standout performances in spring training have drawn attention, particularly after hitting a single measured at 117.3 mph off the bat, the second-hardest hit ball in MLB this spring. Gonzales, originally signed as an international free agent from the Dominican Republic for $250,000 in 2024, made an immediate impact with the Red Sox. He earned the club’s Latin Program Player of the Year award and debuted in the majors in 2025, batting .281 with four home runs, 23 doubles, 12 stolen bases, and a .753 OPS in 93 games, mostly at Low-A Salem. His power stroke has been a focal point, with exit velocities rivaling those of stars like Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Ortiz, who has taken Gonzales under his wing, praised the young slugger’s potential. “Oh my god, he’s a big kid man,” Ortiz told the Herald. “I hope he stays healthy and continues working extremely hard. He’s got so many tools to begin to be a superstar.” Gonzales, who described Ortiz as “like a father to me,” echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of discipline and technique. “We don’t need to try to hit the ball hard, that happens naturally. We just need to find the barrel and hit the ball in the air,” he said, reflecting Ortiz’s teachings. Gonzales’ spring training appearances with the big league club have been pivotal.#world_baseball_classic #shohei_ohtani #david_ortiz #justin_gonzales #red_sox
World Baseball Classic: Japan Defeats Australia, Team USA Dominates Pool Play The 2026 World Baseball Classic entered its second week of pool play, with Japan securing a crucial victory over Australia and Team USA continuing its strong performance against Great Britain. Shohei Ohtani, the tournament’s standout player, remained a focal point for Japan as they advanced to the knockout stage, while the United States showcased its depth with a dominant showing. Japan, the reigning champions from the 2023 final, faced Australia in a high-stakes matchup on Sunday. The game, played at the Tokyo Dome, saw Japan rally from a deficit to claim a 4-3 win. Shohei Ohtani, despite going 0-3 in the contest, drew a leadoff walk in the seventh inning and remained a key threat. Japan’s offensive surge included a two-run homer by Masataka Yoshida in the seventh, a pinch-hit RBI double by Teruaki Sato, and a bases-loaded walk to Seiya Suzuki. Chihiro Sumida earned the win with three scoreless innings of relief, while Australia’s Jon Kennedy took the loss. Japan’s victory ensured their place in the quarterfinals, with Australia needing to defeat Korea on Monday to advance. Team USA, meanwhile, continued its dominance in pool play with a 10-2 victory over Great Britain. The U.S. squad, featuring 22 MLB All-Stars—the most of any team in the tournament—dominated both sides of the field. Stars like Paul Skenes, Cal Raleigh, and Aaron Judge contributed to the rout, with the Americans entering the tournament as favorites (-105) over Japan (+350) at BetMGM. The U.S. will face the winner of the Korea-Australia matchup in the quarterfinals. The tournament, held across Tokyo, San Juan (Puerto Rico), Miami, and Houston, will conclude with the final at loanDepot Park in Miami on March 17.#japan #australia #world_baseball_classic #shohei_ohtani #team_usa
Chicago Cubs' Seiya Suzuki Shines in Dominant Team Japan Win Over Chinese Taipei Team Japan delivered a commanding 13-0 victory over Chinese Taipei in their opening game of the 2026 World Baseball Classic pool play, showcasing a stark gap in talent between the two teams. Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki, a key member of the Japanese squad, contributed to the win but did not dominate the game in the same way as some of his teammates. The game, played in Mesa, Arizona, saw Team Japan overwhelm Chinese Taipei with a combination of power hitting and defensive dominance, securing a seven-inning shutout. Suzuki, who came off his best season in Major League Baseball in 2025, had a solid but unremarkable performance against Chinese Taipei. He went 1 for 4 at the plate, drawing a walk in the team’s explosive 10-run second inning and scoring a run. His first hit of the tournament came in the top of the third inning when he hit a sharp line drive into center field for a single. Later in the game, he shifted positions, moving from center field to right field, demonstrating his versatility on the field. While Suzuki did not carry the offensive load like some of his teammates, his contributions were valuable in a game where Team Japan’s depth was evident. The Japanese squad’s dominance was highlighted by their ability to consistently put pressure on Chinese Taipei’s defense and capitalize on opportunities. Suzuki’s performance, though modest compared to the team’s overall output, reflected his role as a reliable offensive threat and defensive asset. The game underscored the disparity between the two teams, with Team Japan’s star players, including sluggers like Shohei Ohtani and others, taking the spotlight.#chicago_cubs #team_japan #shohei_ohtani #chinese_taipei #mesa_arizona
Japan vs. Chinese Taipei: How to Watch World Baseball Classic Game The 2026 World Baseball Classic will feature Japan facing off against Chinese Taipei on Friday, March 6, at the Tokyo Dome. This matchup marks Japan’s attempt to defend its title, as the team has previously won the tournament in 2006, 2009, and 2023. Japan’s roster includes star players like Shohei Ohtani, who will focus solely on hitting this time after splitting duties between pitching and batting in the previous edition. The team’s pitching staff is also highlighted by Los Angeles Dodgers World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Chinese Taipei, on the other hand, entered the tournament with a 0-1 record in pool play after losing its opening game to Australia. The team will look to bounce back against Japan, a matchup that promises to be a key test of their skills. Fans can expect a competitive battle as both teams aim to secure a spot in the knockout rounds. The 2026 World Baseball Classic features 20 teams divided into four pools. Each team plays one game against every other team in their group, with the top two finishers advancing to the knockout stages. The quarterfinals will begin on March 13, followed by semifinals on March 15, with the championship game scheduled for March 17 in Miami. Pool play games will take place from March 4 to March 11, setting the stage for the knockout rounds. Teams tied in the standings after round-robin play will be reseeded based on criteria such as head-to-head results and net runs scored. This structure ensures that the tournament remains highly competitive and unpredictable. For those unable to attend in person, the game will be broadcast live on various platforms. Details on how to stream or watch the match can be found through official tournament channels.#japan #world_baseball_classic #chinese_taipei #shohei_ohtani #yoshinobu_yamamoto
Samurai Japan Begins World Baseball Classic Title Defense with Dominant 13-0 Win Samurai Japan launched its quest to defend its World Baseball Classic title with a commanding 13-0 victory over Chinese Taipei on Friday night. The matchup, featuring a roster led by superstar Shohei Ohtani and a host of Major League Baseball stars, showcased Japan’s offensive prowess from the outset. Ohtani, the team’s most iconic player, set the tone with a leadoff double in the first inning, but Chinese Taipei struggled to advance him past third base. The underdog team managed only a single run in the game, as Japan’s offense exploded in the second inning. The turning point came when Ohtani delivered a game-changing home run. After a sequence of walks and singles loaded the bases, Ohtani waited four pitches before launching a 2-1 curveball from starter Hao-Chun Cheng into the right-field seats. The blast, accompanied by Japan’s new matcha whisking celebration, accounted for four runs and marked the start of an historic inning. Manager Hirokazu Ibata praised the celebration, calling it a unifying gesture for the team. “I wish we could drink 10 or 20 teas per game,” he joked, referencing the tradition. The onslaught continued as Japan’s lineup kept producing. Red Sox outfielder Masataka Yoshida drove in Seiya Suzuki with a double, and Munetaka Murakami followed with a single to plate Yoshida. The inning concluded with 10 runs, breaking the World Baseball Classic record for most runs in a single inning. Japan’s offensive surge also set a new benchmark for RBIs in an inning, with Ohtani contributing five. The dominance extended into the third inning, where Japan added three more runs. Kazuma Okamoto’s RBI single and a two-run hit from Sosuke Genda highlighted the team’s offensive depth.#world_baseball_classic #shohei_ohtani #hirokazu_ibata #samurai_japan #masataka_yoshida
World Baseball Classic 2026: Schedule, Bracket, Format, Rosters and How to Watch The 2026 World Baseball Classic returns after a three-year hiatus, with Team Japan aiming to defend its title following its 2023 victory over Team USA. The tournament will run from March 5 to March 17, featuring games across Puerto Rico, Japan, and the United States. Team USA seeks redemption after losing to Japan in the 2023 final, a match that ended in dramatic fashion with Shohei Ohtani facing his former teammate Mike Trout in the ninth inning. The tournament structure begins with a pool stage from March 5 to March 11, where 20 teams are divided into five pools. Each team plays every other team in their pool, with the top two records advancing to the quarterfinals. In case of ties, head-to-head records and a runs-allowed-to-defensive-outs ratio determine advancement. Quarterfinals will feature matchups between pool winners and runners-up, with the winners progressing to the semifinals. The semifinals will reseed teams, allowing potential matchups between teams from different pools. The final will be held on March 17 in Miami, with the winner-take-all game determining the champion. Japan, the reigning champion, will face off against Team USA in the final, seeking to repeat its 2023 success. The tournament has seen Japan win three of the five previous editions, with the Dominican Republic and United States claiming the other two titles. Notable past results include Japan’s 2006 and 2009 victories, the Dominican Republic’s 2013 win, the United States’ 2017 triumph, and Japan’s 2023 championship. The 2026 roster includes numerous MLB stars. Team USA features Aaron Judge, Paul Skenes, Bryce Harper, and Bobby Witt Jr.#team_japan #shohei_ohtani #team_usa #world_baseball_classic_2026 #mike_trout
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
Aaron Judge Aims to Lead USA to Gold at 2026 World Baseball Classic Tampa, Fla. – Aaron Judge, the New York Yankees’ star outfielder, is preparing to lead Team USA in its quest for gold at the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Reflecting on the 2023 tournament, where Shohei Ohtani’s game-winning strikeout of Mike Trout ended the competition, Judge emphasized the need for a new chapter. “Now it’s time for us to go out there and change that script,” he said after a Grapefruit League victory over the Blue Jays. Ten months after committing to represent Team USA and being named the team’s first captain, Judge is ready to chase the championship. The 2026 tournament will feature quarterfinals in Scottsdale, Arizona, with exhibition games against the Giants and Rockies scheduled for early March. Judge will join Yankees teammates David Bednar and Paul Goldschmidt on the roster, marking a significant presence for the team. The tournament’s pool play begins on March 6 against Brazil at Houston’s Daikin Park. Many players have cited the WBC as a career highlight, a sentiment Judge has encountered frequently. “It’s like a playoff atmosphere from the start, and it helps you get ready for the season quickly,” he said. Bednar, who competed in the 2023 tournament, added, “You’re going full guns blazing from the get-go.” The Yankees’ involvement extends beyond Judge and his teammates. Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Brendan Beck will represent Great Britain, while Austin Wells, Camilo Doval, and Amed Rosario will suit up for the Dominican Republic. Fernando Cruz and Elmer Rodríguez will pitch for Puerto Rico, and Harrison Cohen will join Team Israel. José Caballero, playing for Panama, noted the pride of representing his country. “It’s a special moment to be on the biggest stage for baseball,” he said.#world_baseball_classic #shohei_ohtani #new_york_yankees #team_usa #aaron_judge
Aaron Judge ready to chase gold at World Baseball Classic Aaron Judge is preparing to lead the United States to victory in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, vowing to rewrite the script from the 2023 tournament. The New York Yankees’ star outfielder reflected on the moment when Shohei Ohtani struck out Mike Trout to end the 2023 competition, which left a lasting impression. “Now it’s time for us to go out there and change that script,” Judge said after a Grapefruit League game against the Blue Jays. Ten months after committing to represent Team USA and being named the team’s first captain, Judge is finally set to compete in the tournament. He will join fellow Yankees players David Bednar and Paul Goldschmidt on the roster, with the team traveling to Scottsdale, Arizona, for exhibition games against the Giants and Rockies. The Yankees’ involvement in the WBC extends beyond their players, with several coaches and alumni participating, including bench coach Brad Ausmus (Israel manager), catching coach Tanner Swanson (Great Britain bench coach), and pitching coach Andy Pettitte. The 2026 tournament will feature Pool B in Houston and Pool D in Miami, with games starting on March 6. Team USA will open their pool play against Brazil in Houston. Players have consistently praised the WBC for its intense competition and the opportunity to prepare for the regular season. “It’s heated competition. You’re fighting for your country,” Judge said. Bednar, who played for Team USA in 2023, added, “You’re going full guns blazing from the get-go.” The Yankees’ representation in the tournament is significant, with players like Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Brendan Beck joining Great Britain, while Austin Wells, Camilo Doval, and Amed Rosario will compete for the Dominican Republic.#world_baseball_classic #shohei_ohtani #new_york_yankees #aaron_judge #david_bednar
