WBC preview: Everything you need to know about 2023 tournament

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The first World Baseball Classic in six years is shaping up to be a memorable tournament, with a record 20 countries participating in the event held at multiple sites. The United States is the defending champion after defeating Puerto Rico in the 2017 final. This year's WBC won't use any of the new rules implemented by MLB, such as a pitch clock, shift restrictions, or bigger bases. Here's what fans can expect.

Dates 🗓: March 7–21
Where 🌎: Taichung, Tokyo, Phoenix, Miami
Venues 🏟: Taichung Intercontinental Baseball Stadium, Tokyo Dome, Chase Field, LoanDepot Park
How to watch 📺: FOX Sports 🇺🇸, Sportsnet 🇨🇦
Rosters: Pool A/B I Pool C/D

Pool A

The Cubans are the favorites in a relatively weak group. White Sox stars Luis Robert and Yoan Moncada are the biggest names on the roster, while former All-Star Yoenis Cespedes is another player to watch. The Dutch could also make a run for the top spot, thanks to the bats of Xander Bogaerts, Jonathan Schoop, Jurickson Profar, and Didi Gregorius. The biggest sleeper in the pool may end up being the Italians, with plenty of MLB-calibre talent, including Vinnie Pasquantino, David Fletcher, and Nicky Lopez.

Pool B

Japan should easily be the toast of the pool. Shohei Ohtani, the best player in the tournament, will get to display his immense talents on an international stage. He'll be paired with Yu Darvish and 21-year-old phenom Roki Sasaki to make a devastating three-headed monster in the rotation. Offensively, Ohtani will get help from Red Sox newcomer Masataka Yoshida and Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar. The Koreans are poised to finish runner-up in the group thanks to KBO MVP Jung-hoo Lee, Tommy Edman, and Ha-Seong Kim.

Pool C

The Americans are stacked. There's a star or superstar at every position and five MVP awards combined between Mike Trout, Mookie Betts, and Paul Goldschmidt. Losing Clayton Kershaw and Nestor Cortes hurts the rotation. However, the bullpen is the best in the tournament, with four MLB closers and several proven high-leverage relievers. Mexico could end up being a tough out, too, with all but two position players in the majors. The starting pitching is also formidable with Julio Urias, Taijuan Walker, Patrick Sandoval, and Jose Urquidy. Canada, meanwhile, looked like a promising team but is missing several big leaguers. The star duo of Freddie Freeman and Tyler O'Neill will be counted on heavily.

Pool D

The Dominicans are arguably the best squad in the event but will face stiff competition in the best group. The star-studded lineup, which features Manny Machado, Rafael Devers, Juan Soto, and Julio Rodriguez, should put up plenty of runs to support a pitching staff led by NL Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara and budding star Cristian Javier. However, a late injury to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. opens the door for the Venezuelans and Puerto Ricans. Francisco Lindor, Javier Baez, Jose Berrios, and Marcus Stroman are some of the impact players representing Puerto Rico, while Venezuela is headlined by Salvador Perez, Jose Altuve, Ronald Acuna Jr., Eugenio Suarez, Gleyber Torres, and Andres Gimenez.

Knockout round