THE WBC: BASEBALL’S GLOBAL STAGE HAS FINALLY ARRIVED

I think it’s safe to say that the World Baseball Classic has finally earned its place in the same breath as the World Cup and Olympic hockey. When the tournament began in 2006, it felt forced to me. It felt as generic as the 2022 Great Britain jerseys. It never felt like it carried the weight that the best international competitions do.

The previous World Baseball Classic was the first time I felt comfortable mentioning it alongside other big international events. This year, though, it has taken the next step. It feels bigger and more meaningful. It is loaded with stories, including how Team USA nearly missed the knockout round. There has been real pressure, real tension, and real drama.

And maybe the biggest takeaway is what this could mean beyond the WBC itself. Baseball is already set to return for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, and MLB has said it is optimistic about the possibility of major leaguers taking part. Nothing is finalized yet, but if this tournament is any indication, the case is obvious: baseball has too many stars not to be showcased on the biggest stage possible. It has a chance to become the marquee team sport of the Summer Olympics, overtaking basketball.

Right now, baseball has star power, and it is time to put that on the Olympic stage.

Oh, my WBC prediction: Japan comes away as the champions!