The 2023 World Baseball Classic is right around the corner, meaning bettors are starting to line up their best plays for the highly-anticipated tournament. The latest World Baseball Classic betting odds & trends show that the Dominican Republic has overtaken the United States as the favorites.
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2023 World Baseball Classic Odds: Dominican Republic New Favorites
Team USA had been the slight betting favorites to defend their 2017 World Baseball Classic championship. The Americans will be heading into the tournament with a star-studded group surrounding the likes of Mookie Betts, Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, Pete Alonso, Nolan Arenado, Paul Goldschmidt and Tim Anderson.
However, New York Yankees left-hander Nestor Cortes had to pull out of the tournament due to injury, and Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw also shared disappointing news for Team USA. Though Kershaw showed up to Spring Training in good health, he also withdrew to help heal a couple of different injuries suffered last season.
“Super disappointing,” Kershaw said, per the MLB website. “We tried a lot of different things, all sides really tried to make it work and nothing is wrong with me. It just didn’t work out. I really wanted to do it. I really wanted to be a part of that group. [It's] probably my last chance to do it, so I really wanted to do it. But it just didn’t work out for a number of reasons. Disappointing, but that’s OK. I’ll be ready for the season and be ready to go.”
The Dominican Republic team certainly doesn't lack some star power of their own. They'll head to the WBC with a stacked lineup consisting of Juan Soto, Vladimir Guererro Jr, Manny Machado and Julio Rodriguez. The Dominicans also have last year's National League Cy Young Award winner, Sandy Alcantara, anchoring their rotation.
Team USA will certainly have a golden opportunity to win a second consecutive World Baseball Classic. But this Dominican Republic team is not to be slept on and will be tough for any team to get past. Based on the latest 2023 World Baseball Classic odds & trends, the D.R. is the team to beat heading into the tourney.
The action kicks off Tuesday, March 7, and baseball fans should be gifted an incredible event.
