It seems like just yesterday that the Toronto Blue Jays grounded into a double play to seal the 2025 World Series for the Los Angeles Dodgers in one of the most entertaining series ever.
So when the World Baseball Classic kicks off on March 5, it has a lot to live up to, but with the teams and rosters set now, true baseball fans are anticipating an instant “classic.”
WBC Rosters
Unlike past years when some superstars opted not to join the squad, this year the United States team is stacked. Here’s the projected starters:
- Mookie Betts – RF
- Mike Trout – CF
- Aaron Judge – LF
- Bryce Harper – 1B
- Bobby Witt Jr. – SS
- Trea Turner – 2B
- Kyle Tucker – DH
- J.T. Realmuto – C
- Nolan Arenado – 3B
And with a rotation that includes Tarik Skubal, Gerrit Cole, Paul Skenes, Zack Wheeler, and Logan Webb, not to mention bullpen arms like Clay Holmes, Mason Miller, David Bednar, and the recently retired Clayton Kershaw, the U.S. team is clearly the favorite at -115 at Caesars Sportsbook.
Apparently, the U.S. team has set the tone for the other countries, as top-level MLB players are on every roster. Let’s start with the reigning WBC champions, Japan. At +350, the roster starts with Shohei Ohtani, but only as a hitter, not as a pitcher. For pitching, the team is ready too, with Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto leading the pack. And with a mix of MLB and Nippon League players, the team is ready to repeat.
The Dominican Republic is the next favorite at +430 with hitters like Juan Soto, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and pitchers Sandy Alcantara and Cristopher Sánchez.
Venezuela (+800) checks in with Ronald Acuña Jr., Jackson Chourio, Luis Arraez, and Gleyber Torres. Mexico (+2200) has Randy Arozarena, Alex Verdugo, Alejandro Kirk, and Luis Urías.
Secrets to Betting the WBC
While pitching is very important in every baseball contest, it’s crucial in the WBC. Remember, the WBC takes place in the middle of spring training so players are just getting in shape following the off-season. Truthfully, however, players never get “out of shape” during the off-season with today’s financial incentives. Nonetheless, MLB teams are always a bit trepidatious about their players going all out in the WBC, fearing it might impact the MLB season. So even the best pitchers are used lightly in the WBC.
Starters rarely go more than five innings, so the bullpen becomes a crucial part of the games. And while there are some very qualified closers in the bullpen, it also contains many starters who may not actually start, so they’d come in for a couple of innings in the middle of the game. WBC managers—former MLB player Mark DeRosa is the U.S. manager—will be very careful about how they handle the bullpen.
Speed is a more important element in the WBC than it is in MLB. So expect more stolen bases and aggressive base running in the WBC.
But despite the speed element, power hitting, like always, is dominant. With the U.S. and Dominican teams boasting some of the most prolific home run hitters in the majors, don’t sleep on this part of the equation.
Prop Bets for WBC
Like all major sporting events, the World Baseball Classic has a wide variety of prop bets. But beware, not all sports books have the full list of props, so choose carefully. As of the end of February, the BetMGM app had no action at all on the World Baseball Classic, and Caesars Sportsbook only had action on the winning team and the winning team for pool play. Check with iGamingPlayer.com for up-to-date action as you navigate the WBC.
MVP is always an interesting bet, and with all the superstars playing in the WBC, the options are many. But they are usually tied to the winner of the tournament. For example, the winner of the 2023 WBC was Shohei Ohtani. Since the U.S. is favored to win, here are a few options (odds are from BetRivers, the only site so far to offer these bets):
- Aaron Judge (+750) Won the American League MVP three times, the last two consecutively.
- Paul Skenes (+1000) Potential dominant pitcher who could impact multiple games.
- Tarik Skubal (+1000) Also a dominant pitcher, but reports say he’ll only start one game.
- Kyle Schwarber (+1700) Powerful bat that could swing games.
- Bryce Harper (+2000) Veteran slugger with big‑game potential.
- Bobby Witt Jr. (+2000) Versatile player with power
If Japan wins, of course, Shohei Ohtani (+1100) is the favorite.
And Juan Soto (+2000) would power a win by the Dominican Republic.
Single-game prop bets can be fun. Here are some for individual players:
- Total Hits (Over/Under 0.5 or 1.5)
- Home Run – Yes/No
- RBIs (Over/Under 0.5)
- Total Bases
- To Record a Run
- To Steal a Base
And for individual pitching props:
- Strikeouts (Over/Under)
- Earned Runs Allowed
- Outs Recorded
- To Record a Win
- First Strikeout of the Game
So check out your favorite online sportsbook. Their odds may differ, assuming they offer these props. And don’t forget to shop around, because there are often wide variations in the odds. Also, as the tournament progresses, odds change dramatically. But overall, have fun and welcome baseball back in 2026.
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