The World Baseball Classic is only a month away and Team USA and Team Dominican Republic are two of the favorites to take home the trophy. Both are exceptionally talented from top to bottom and will likely finish well in the tournament.
Here’s the Team USA lineup:
- JT Realmuto, C
- Paul Goldschmidt, 1B
- Jeff McNeil, 2B
- Nolan Arenado, 3B
- Trea Turner, SS
- Kyle Tucker, FL
- Mike Trout, CF
- Mookie bets, RF
- Pete Alonso, DH
Here is the lineup of the Dominican Republic team:
- Gary Sanchez, C.
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr., 1B
- Ketel Marte, 2B
- Manny Machado, 3B
- Jeremy Pena, SS
- Teoscar Hernandez, LF
- Julio Rodriguez, CF
- Juan Soto, RF
- Raphael Devers, DH
Which World Baseball Classic lineup is better? https://t.co/HCMIS2Lhtk
MLB fans were asked which of these teams boasts the best lineup, and there was a mixed response.
Many fans believe that the United States has a significant advantage on offense. They don’t have some of the best players in baseball, like Aaron Judge or Shohei Ohtani. However, they do have a deep lineup that could make the All-Star team next season.
Pitching is a different story because Team USA doesn’t have a deep pitching staff, especially after New York Yankees star Néstor Cortés Jr. withdrew with injury.
However, the United States has enough star power to make them the favorites of this WBC.
Team USA vs. Dominican Republic team: Who is better?
It’s hard to argue against the fans in this scenario. The United States has a much deeper alignment than the Dominican Republic. The USA team has arguably the best catcher in baseball.
They also have the reigning NL MVP in Paul Goldschmidt. They have the best defender on the planet in Nolan Arenado and arguably the greatest player of all time in Mike Trout.
That’s not even mentioning MVP-caliber players like Mookie Betts or Trea Turner. Manny Machado, Juan Soto and Julio Rodríguez are incredible, but they won’t be enough to beat the United States.
However, it must be an excellent competition. Both teams are very good and can go all the way, so both are teams to watch.