Team USA may be the defending champion of the World Baseball Classic, but it is not the favorite to defend the title. According to bettors, the 2013 WBC champions, the Dominican Republic team, are the favorites to regain the title after this year’s tournament concludes on March 21.
First-year American coach Mark DeRosa was asked by reporters at team practice Tuesday if the players knew they weren’t favorites to repeat. He said:
“They are aware. They are very aware.”
Both the USA and the Dominican Republic are looking to join Team Japan as the only two-time World Baseball Classic champions this year. According to BetMGM, the Dominican Republic has +210 to win the tournament, with the USA at +250. Japan sits at +275 as the third favourite.
From there, it’s a long chasm on the betting board before you get to Team Venezuela and Team Korea, both at +1100. The tournament longshots are Great Britain, Nicaragua, China and the Czech Republic, all at a stratospheric +30,000.
USA features a staggering array of offensive punches with Mike Trout, Paul Goldschmidt, Pete Alonso, Nolan Arenado, Trea Turner and Mookie Betts among the MLB stars ready to hit for the defending champions.
DeRosa scoffed at the idea of the US being the tournament underdog, telling InsideHook:
“I expect to win,” DeRosa said. “Those are the expectations of Mike Trout, Nolan Arenado: they wouldn’t take the time to prepare for next season if they didn’t want to win this. I have a lot of respect for the other countries. I know it won’t be easy, but my expectation when we start the 11th is to snatch souls”.
However, Team USA loses its shine in the eyes of many forecasters because of its pitching staff. Where many of the best pitchers in MLB take the mound for other teams, the US relies on Adam Wainwright and Lance Lynn to lead its staff.
Team USA opens World Baseball Classic game against Great Britain
Team USA begins its World Baseball Classic title defense on March 11 against tournament rookie team Great Britain at 9 pm ET. The USA continues pool play on March 10 and 13, against Team Mexico and Team Canada, respectively, with both games scheduled to begin at 10 pm ET. Team Columbia is the last opponent in the USA pool play, with the two teams battling it out at 10 pm ET on March 15.