Power ranking 2021 Olympic baseball teams

2. Team USA

Despite the fact that arguably no team is hurt more than Team USA by the restriction to not allow MLB players to suit up for the Olympics — the only country whose native professional league is barred from the competition — the United States has enjoyed plenty of success in baseball at the Olympics. Not only did they win bronze in Beijing but captured gold back in the 2000 Sydney games as well.

Throughout qualification, though, we started to see a ton of positive signs from the United States’ strategy with a slew of quality minor league prospects combined with savvy long-time MLB veterans. Not only did the group gel well en route to punching their ticket to Tokyo but they played fundamental, smart baseball that allowed them to succeed.

While fans will remember guys like third baseman Todd Frazier, who will be integral to the Team USA plight, and pitcher Edwin Jackson, the biggest pieces to the puzzle will likely be Red Sox prospect Triston Casas and Blue Jays prospect Simeon Woods Richardson. If Casas can show off his impressive power in the heart of the order, this lineup should be formidable.

All told, the United States isn’t going to overwhelm with their talent but they have plenty of that still. When you combine that with the mix of experience and raw skill, they should have enough to try and contend for the gold medal.