World Baseball Classic: MLB Stars Shine as Tournament Reaches Final Stages

The World Baseball Classic (WBC) continues to deliver exciting international baseball as national teams compete for global bragging rights. The tournament, which brings together many of the best players from around the world — including numerous Major League Baseball stars — has produced some memorable moments so far and has seen a surge in TV ratings.

The seris has also provided some opportunities for those who like to take part in some MLB betting with so many players from the league taking part.

Several prominent MLB players have been key contributors for their respective national teams throughout the tournament. Players such as Shohei Ohtani, Mike Trout, Mookie Betts, and Juan Soto have all taken part in the competition, showcasing their talents on the international stage.

The tournament gives fans a rare opportunity to see some of baseball’s biggest stars compete for their home countries rather than their MLB clubs.

Pitching has also been a major storyline. Many teams have leaned heavily on MLB-caliber arms to navigate the tournament’s high-pressure games.

What is the World Baseball Classic?

The WBC is the premier international baseball tournament. Organized by MLB along with the World Baseball Softball Confederation, the event features national teams from across the globe competing in a multi-round format that culminates with the championship game.

The tournament was first held in 2006 and was created to provide baseball with a true international championship similar to the World Cup in soccer. Since debuting, the event has grown in popularity and prestige, attracting elite players from MLB as well as professional leagues in Japan, Korea, and other countries.

Japan has historically been one of the most successful teams in the tournament, capturing multiple championships, while the U.S. has also emerged as a strong contender in recent editions.

Other baseball powers such as the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela consistently field rosters loaded with major league talent.

Upcoming Games Left in the Series

As the tournament moves deeper into the knockout stage, only a handful of games remain before a champion is crowned. The semifinal round typically features the final four teams, with the winners advancing to the championship game.

The tournament has now reached the final eight teams in the series with the quarterfinals getting started on Thursday. Here’s a look at all of the quarterfinal matchups and where to watch:

• South Korea vs. Dominican Republic — March 13 — 3 p.m. ET, FS1
• United States vs. Canada — March 13 — 9 p.m. ET, FOX
• Italy vs. Puerto Rico — March 14 — 3 p.m. ET, FS1
• Japan vs. Venezuela — March 14 — 9 p.m. ET, FOX

Baseball fans waiting for their favorite MLB teams to hopefully make a run at the World Series won’t have to wait long. Following the WBC, the season gets underway on March 25, with a matchup of the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants.