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United Kingdom Astros stars featured on five World Baseball Classic rosters
The event, which takes place every four years at stadiums throughout the globe, features teams from 20 nations and players across Major League Baseball representing their home countries. The Astros are one of the most represented MLB teams in the 2023 WBC, sending 11 players from their projected Opening Day roster. So which nations will be represented by the Astros in the 2023 World Baseball Classic? Let’s sort through the list:
Second-year shortstop and reigning World Series MVP Jeremy Peña is projected to hit in the bottom third of one of the most stacked lineups in baseball history, but it's the pitching staff where the Astros can truly make their mark in the WBC.
A whopping five Astros pitchers are rostered by the Dominican Republic squad, headlined by Houston’s top-of-rotation combination in Framber Valdez and Cristian Javier. Want a breakout candidate for the WBC? Keep an eye on Bryan Abreu, who enters the event following an electric postseason in which he didn't allow a single run across 11 1/3 innings.
Abreu should be a lights-out bullpen arm in the tournament, flanked by fellow Astros relievers Rafael Montero and Héctor Nerris.
United StatesAstros closer Ryan Presley could very well etch himself into baseball history if he ends up at closer for a title-winning Team USA squad. And if the Americans win the WBC crown, another Astros teammate is likely to play a major role. Kyle Tucker, a 2023 MVP candidate, is projected to be Team USA's starting right fielder, and he enters the event after a strong start to Spring Training.
VenezuelaLuis Garcia will show off his new windup for Team Venezuela in the WBC, but the main Astros attraction for this sneaky title contender is second baseman and Hall of Fame candidate Jose Altuve. The 32-year-old finished No. 5 in the AL MVP vote last season after turning in his best campaign since 2017. As Altuve looks to fight off Father Time, the WBC is his latest showcase.
MexicoOne of two nations with just one Astro rostered, Mexico's squad will include Houston starting pitcher Jose Urquidy. The right hander is expected to start one of the contests for Team Mexico in Pool Play beginning Tuesday as he looks to rebound from a middling 2022 season.
Puerto RicoThe runner-up to Team USA in the most recent World Baseball Classic will look to Astros catcher Martín Maldonado to lead from behind the plate during the 2023 event. Maldonado isn't regarded as the strongest offensive weapon, but his defensive prowess and game-calling ability is renowned across the sport. Perhaps Maldonado's mental excellence will fuel Puerto Rico to another medal-stand finish in baseball's top international event.
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