The World Baseball Classic begins tonight. For the first time in six years, all the world’s greatest players will face off with pride, bragging rights and the World Baseball Classic trophy all on the line.
But who is the key player on each team? What player could make the difference between an early trip back home and a spot in the semifinals in Miami? We’re glad you asked.
Let’s break that down — pool by pool, team by team.
As Japan tunes up for its World Baseball Classic opener vs. China, Shohei Ohtani is already in peak form, homering twice in an exhibition Monday — including one from his knee.
We’ve had ample evidence in recent years that the Cy Young Award in each league is no lock for pitchers with track records that suggest they’re favorites to win the honor. Just look at Sandy Alcantara and Robbie Ray in the last two years.
Take any defensive cliché you prefer, and it applies to Red Sox prospect Ceddanne Rafaela. He’s a future Gold Glove contender. He’s a highlight reel all to himself — so MLB Pipeline asked him about some of his best plays.
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RJ Hamster 
