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A World Baseball Classic event that, in the past, has inspired as much apprehension as excitement is now leaning distinctly toward the latter.

From the time of its 2006 inception through its most recent run in 2017, the injury risks associated with the Classic have caused a number of marquee players to stay with their MLB squads for Spring Training, rather than representing their countries. But with a staggering number of stars having committed to the 2023 installment of the event, the excitement in the air at a gathering of managers and general managers at the Winter Meetings on Tuesday was palpable.

Major League Baseball’s highest relief honorswere bestowed upon Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase and Mets stopper Edwin Díaz.

Every time a ballplayer commits to Team USA for the 2023 World Baseball Classic, general manager Tony Reagins and manager Mark DeRosa hear from others interested in joining the club. As a result, this roster has more superstar power than ever.

Team Japan manager Hideki Kuriyama confirmed at the Winter Meetings that if everything goes to plan, Shohei Ohtani will serve as both a pitcher and a hitter in next year’s World Baseball Classic.

Mariners president of business operations Catie Griggs, the only active female president in an MLB front office, delivered the keynote address at a luncheon for 32 women working in baseball.

MLB, the Players Association and Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. announced an “All-Star” game featuring players from Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU) that will be played prior to the Midsummer Classic in Seattle.

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