Get ready for the ultimate showdown in baseball as the World Baseball Classic kicks off on March 4th, 10 p.m. ET, with Australia facing Chinese Taipei. But who will emerge as the champion? With the best players in the world fueled by patriotism and pride, this tournament promises intense competition. Here’s a bold ranking of the 20 teams, from most to least likely to win, crafted by MLB.com staffers Will Leitch and Michael Clair. And this is the part most people miss: the underdog stories, the controversial picks, and the potential upsets that could shake up the baseball world.
1) United States (Leitch): The U.S. is stacked with stars like Aaron Judge, Bryce Harper, and now Paul Skenes, making their pitching lineup unstoppable. But here's where it gets controversial: can they overcome their past pitching wobbles? With Tarik Skubal joining Skenes, they’re the obvious top pick.
2) Japan (Clair): Reigning champs and Olympic gold medalists, Japan remains the team to beat, even if they’re slightly weaker on paper. Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Hiromi Itoh lead a formidable rotation, while Munetaka Murakami and Seiya Suzuki bolster the lineup. Can anyone dethrone the Samurai?
3) Dominican Republic (Leitch): After a disappointing 2023, the DR is back with a vengeance. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Juan Soto, and Fernando Tatis Jr. form a lineup that’s downright terrifying. But will their group stage path be easier this time? Tatis thinks they’ll beat Japan—do you agree?
4) Venezuela (Clair): Ronald Acuña Jr. and Salvador Perez lead a fearsome lineup, but it’s the pitching, with Ranger Suárez and Daniel Palencia, that makes Venezuela a serious contender. Will they finally break through to the semifinals?
5) Puerto Rico (Leitch): Managed by Cardinals legend Yadier Molina, Puerto Rico is missing some stars but still boasts Nolan Arenado and Edwin Díaz. With Bad Bunny hype and a forgiving pool, don’t count them out.
6) Mexico (Clair): Fresh off a Caribbean Series win, Mexico is stronger than ever. Randy Arozarena and Jonathan Aranda lead a team that nearly made the 2023 finals. Can they navigate a tough pool with the USA and Italy?
7) Canada (Leitch): With the Naylor brothers and Tyler O’Neill, Canada has the talent to finally escape the group stage. But without Freddie Freeman, can they live up to the hype?
8) Chinese Taipei (Clair): Underdogs no more, Chinese Taipei stunned Korea and Japan to win the 2024 Premier12. With reinforcements like Jonathon Long, they’re a dark horse to watch.
9) Korea (Leitch): A nostalgia pick with a twist, Korea has MLB players like Jahmai Jones and Dane Dunning. Can they recapture their 2009 magic?
10) Italy (Clair): Aaron Nola and Vinnie Pasquantino lead a team that could surprise if they escape the first round. But can they overcome their ninth-inning heartbreak history against Mexico?
11) Colombia (Leitch): After upsetting Mexico in 2023, Colombia has a path to advance. With Jose Quintana and Julio Teheran, they’re a sneaky pick.
12) Netherlands (Clair): European champs with Didi Gregorius and Xander Bogaerts, the Netherlands has a stacked lineup. But will their thin pitching staff hold them back?
13) Panama (Leitch): With a strong MLB-experienced roster, Panama could sneak out of Pool A. But can they avoid another five-way tie?
14) Great Britain (Clair): Jazz Chisholm Jr. and the Beck brothers give GB a deeper roster. Could they replicate Israel’s 2017 run?
15) Cuba (Leitch): With only one active MLB player, Cuba is a shadow of its former self. But Alexei Ramirez’s return adds nostalgia. Can they surprise?
16) Australia (Clair): Led by Travis Bazzana and manager Dave Nilsson, Australia has Major League talent. Will this be their year?
17) Israel (Leitch): Harrison Bader and a star-studded coaching staff make Israel a team to watch. But can they secure a win to qualify for the next WBC?
18) Czechia (Clair): A viral sensation in 2023, Czechia has grown exponentially. In a tough pool, can they overperform again?
19) Nicaragua (Leitch): With Mark Vientos, Nicaragua has a future star. But can they win a game this time?
20) Brazil (Clair): With MLB lineage and a growing program, Brazil is building for the future. Will 2026 be their year?
Who do you think will take the crown? And which underdog will shock the world? Let the debates begin in the comments!
