Marcus Stroman Will Pitch For Puerto Rico in WBC
In a rather surprising announcement, Marcus Stroman has decided to represent Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic. The announcement came in a tweet from the WBC Twitter page, stating that the Chicago Cubs starter intends to pitch for Puerto Rico. The surprise comes from the fact that Stroman previously pitched for the United States in the WBC, winning MVP honors in the process. And even though Stroman is an American citizen, he is allowed to pitch for Puerto Rico due to the fact that his mother is from Puerto Rico. The Cubs ace is currently 3–6 with a 3.98 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, and 98 strikeouts in 101 2/3 innings pitched. In the 2017 WBC, he finished 1–1 with a 2.35 ERA and nine strikeouts in 15 1/3 innings pitched for Team USA.
Who Stroman Could Be Joining
The World Baseball Classic isn’t until 2023, so the rosters are far from set. However, other players have announced their commitment to play. Minnesota Twins infielders Carlos Correa, and Jose Miranda are the only other players that have committed to playing for Puerto Rico so far. Both players have been having respectable and nearly identical seasons. Correa is currently possesses a slash line of .271/.352/.430, and has 15 homers and 45 RBI to go along it. Miranda’s slash line sits at .270/.320/.444 with 13 home runs, and 56 RBI. A very good season for the rookie first baseman.
The 2017 Puerto Rican team also consisted of notable players like Javier Baez, Jose Berrios, Edwin Diaz, Kike Hernandez, Francisco Lindor, Jorge Lopez, Seth Lugo, Yadier Molina, and Eddie Rosario. One can assume that some, or most, of these players will return as well.
Team USA Looks to Defend Their Title
It is indeed a shame that Stroman won’t be joining the U.S. in 2023, but the U.S. has a very deep roster. This is what their potential starting lineup could look like:
C – J.T. Realmuto
1B – Paul Goldschmidt
2B – Trea Turner
3B – Nolan Arenado
SS – Tim Anderson
OF – Mike Trout, Mookie Betts, Bryce Harper
The rest of the team, so far, consists of Will Smith, Pete Alonso, Trevor Story, Cedric Mullins, and Kyle Tucker. The U.S. looks poised to win the World Baseball Classic championship yet again. The games take place March 8-21.
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Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
Players Mentioned:
Marcus Stroman, Carlos Correa, Jose Miranda, Javier Baez, Jose Berrios, Edwin Diaz, Kike Hernandez, Francisco Lindor, Jorge Lopez, Seth Lugo, Yadier Molina, Eddie Rosario, J.T. Realmuto, Paul Goldschmidt, Trea Turner, Nolan Arenado, Tim Anderson, Mike Trout, Mookie Betts, Bryce Harper, Will Smith, Pete Alonso, Trevor Story, Cedric Mullins, Kyle Tucker
