First Pitch: 5 MLB teams with the most to lose during the World Baseball Classic
By Kevin Henry
World Baseball Classic worries for New York Mets?
Among the key players suiting up from the New York Mets include first baseman Pete Alonso (United States), closer Edwin Díaz (Puerto Rico), third baseman Eduardo Escobar (Venezuela), shortstop Francisco Lindor (Puerto Rico), second baseman Jeff McNeil (United States), and starting pitcher José Quintana (Colombia).
A worst-case scenario for the Mets would be an injury to one of their All-Star infielders or pitchers, particularly Diaz, who has just signed a five-year, $102 million deal as one of the most well-known and dominating closers currently in the game.
World Baseball Classic worries for St. Louis Cardinals?
Taking the field in the World Baseball Classic as part of the Cardinals franchise include third baseman Nolan Arenado (United States), infielder Tommy Edman (Korea), reigning NL MVP and first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (United States), starting pitcher Miles Mikolas (United States), and starting pitcher Adam Wainwright (United States).
Imagine what could happen to the Cardinals season if an inside pitch hits Arenado or Goldschmidt in the wrist. Wainwright is coming off an end of 2022 where a comebacker to his knee late in the campaign kept him from pitching for St. Louis in the postseason. Should Cardinals fans be worried about the 41-year-old Wainwright throwing for Team USA?
World Baseball Classic worries for San Diego Padres?
New Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts is suiting up for Netherlands, while starting pitcher Yu Darvish (Japan), infielder Ha Seong Kim (Korea), third baseman Manny Machado (Dominican Republic), and outfielder Juan Soto (Dominican Republic) will also take part in the WBC.
At the age of 36, Darvish just signed a six-year extension with the Padres, a contract that will keep him in San Diego through his age-42 season. With that investment, Darvish taking the mound for Japan could provide some anxious moments for A.J. Preller and company. Machado and Soto could well both in the conversation for National League MVP this season, so all eyes will be on their health when the Dominican Republic takes the field.