The World Baseball Classic is expected to serve yet another spectacle in its latest edition that gets underway next month. The rosters were announced on Thursday with some star-studded players expected to represent the international rosters.
Paul Goldschmidt Set to Play for Team USA
On the day when Paul Goldschmidt signed a one-year deal with the New York Yankees, extending his stay in the Bronx, he was also announced to be featuring in his third World Baseball Classic for Team USA. He will divide first base duties alongside the Phildelphia Phillies’ Bryce Harper.
Goldschmidt joins teammates Aaron Judge and David Bednar in the American roster. The lineup also boasts the likes of catchers Will Smith and Cal Raleigh, designated hitter Kyle Schwarber and third baseman Alex Bregman. The pitching staff will be led by Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal. The corner infielder is among 12 players from the Yankees organization that will take to the field in the international best-on-best tournament.
Paul Goldschmidt made his international debut in the 2017 edition, putting up .077/.250/.077 slash line with three walks in 13 at-bats. Team USA went onto win the gold medal. Three years ago, he hit .280 with one home run and a .895 OPS, with the Americans losing to Team Japan in the final.
Ben Simon Set to Join Team Israel
New York Mets minor league pitcher Ben Simon will join an Israel roster headed by Harrison Bader. The 23-year-old had played college baseball for Elon University before he was drafted by the Mets in the 13th round of the 2023 MLB June Amateur Draft.
“I’m honored to be playing for Team Israel in the upcoming WBC,” Simon said as per Elon Athletics’ website. “I am very proud to be representing both Elon and Israel at such an amazing event. I don’t feel I’d be here without the coaches, teammates and opportunities Elon has given me. I’m excited to get after it next month in Miami.”
In three minor league seasons so far, Simon has an 8-4 record with a 3.64 ERA in 96.1 innings pitched with 66 relief appearances during that time. Simon finished last year’s Double-A season with a 1.06 ERA in 11 appearances for the Binghamton Rumble Ponies.
