The World Baseball Classic is underway, which means baseball fans are in for a ton of great matchups featuring some of the biggest stars in Major League Baseball. The celebrations will be grander. The cheers will be louder. And the cracks of the bat will be even more thunderous.
It’s hard to forget the biggest hits in World Baseball Classic history. Who could forget Trea Turner’s go-ahead grand slam in the 2023 semifinals against Venezuela? What about Ichiro Suzuki’s game-winning single in 2009? Or Munetaka Murakami’s walk-off double to propel Japan into the finals in 2023?
The hits are the moments that fans never forget, but which teams are due for some big hits in this year’s tournament? Here are our power rankings of the top five lineups in the World Baseball Classic, bound to bring endless offense to a thrilling tournament:
Projected lineup:
The left side of the infield certainly leaves a little to be desired, but Ortiz, Urías and Gonzales provide remarkable gloves that will impact Mexico’s ability to win games. The top of this lineup is far and away the most dangerous part. Randy Arozarena has historically been a monster in the World Baseball Classic, with numerous clutch hits under his belt. Following him up will be MLB All-Stars Jarren Duran, Alejandro Kirk and Jonathan Aranda. If they can do some damage, Mexico could be a force throughout the tournament.
Projected lineup:
You look at this lineup and realize it’s filled to the brim with high-end MLB talent already. Then you remember that league hits leader Luis Arraez and elite slugger Eugenio Suarez are available off the bench, as well. Then, you start to panic. This is a team that not only can damage you from everywhere in the lineup, but has the depth to play according to the situation as well. That’s a recipe for success.
Projected lineup:
It’s easy to look at this lineup, notice the lack of MLB players, and assume they won’t be able to reclaim their glory from 2023. But they are the defending champions for a reason. After all, they do boast the best player in baseball at the top of their lineup.
Apart from him, this is a team filled with star Japanese players. Kensuke Kondoh is coming off a season where he recorded a .925 OPS. He had a 1.115 OPS in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Munetaka Murakami was the most sought-after foreign prospect in baseball this past year. Kaito Kozono hit .309 in Japanese play last year, and he is likely going to be at the bottom of their lineup.
Projected lineup:
Geraldo Perdomo finished fourth in National League MVP voting a season ago. He’s projected to bat eighth for the Dominican Republic. That’s scary.
From top to bottom, this lineup is filled with exciting players, many of whom are considered the top of their position in MLB — Ketel Marte, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Junior Caminero, Juan Soto. And many more have strong cases for their own positions as well. It’s undeniable that the DR might have the best pure hitters all around, but there’s one nation with a bit more pop and a similarly well-rounded lineup.
Projected lineup:
Going toe-to-toe with the DR, the U.S. gets the slight edge. Bobby Witt Jr. is a little bit better than Perdomo. Cal Raleigh is certainly better than Augustin Ramirez. Aaron Judge is the best hitter in the world. Kyle Schwarber might have the best raw power in the sport.
There are certainly some weak spots, particularly Brice Turang at second base, but the U.S. has the luxury of working with Gunnar Henderson on the bench as well. While Henderson has only played three games at second base since joining the Baltimore Orioles, he has experience there and could make the move if needed. So long as Pete Crow-Armstrong looks more like he did in the first half of last season than the second half, the United States certainly has the best lineup in this year’s tournament.