MLB news: Freddie Freeman injury, Yankees fans and Joey Gallo, Boston Red Sox
By Kevin Henry
![Mar 12, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Team Canada infielder Freddie Freeman (5) rounds third base against Team Great Britain during the third inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Zachary BonDurant-USA TODAY Sports Mar 12, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Team Canada infielder Freddie Freeman (5) rounds third base against Team Great Britain during the third inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Zachary BonDurant-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/f58a7b7e592df73bc38903ad6942d91f7fb408f698ad4006a14a7825028a491f.jpg)
MLB news: Boston Red Sox look brilliant after under-the-radar signing honored at WBC
Yu Chang, signed by the Red Sox to a one-year contract in February, was named as the Most Valuable Player of World Baseball Classic Pool A after an impressive showing for Chinese Taipei.
Yu Chang has been named the MVP of Pool A!
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 14, 2023
He went 7-16, 2 2B, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 2 BB in Pool A action 👏 pic.twitter.com/XzncwybjPJ
Chinese Taipei was one of five teams in the pool that finished with a 2-2 record, kicking in the WBC’s intricate tie-breaking rules. Those rules prevented the host squad from advancing, with Cuba and Italy earning the tie-breaking nods.
While his team didn’t advance, Chang certainly showed promise and gave Red Sox fans hope for what he could bring to the team in 2023. An infielder, Chang played for four different MLB teams last season, with stops in Boston, Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay, and Cleveland. He slashed .260/.305/.385 in 105 plate appearances with the Rays before being placed on waivers and picked up by the Red Sox on September 12. He only received 26 plate appearances before the end of the season in Boston before being granted free agency.
With Chinese Taipei out of the WBC, Chang will report back to Red Sox camp and work to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster.