4 games Red Sox fans can't miss during the World Baseball Classic

Starting next week, baseball takes the international stage as the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC) begins. The global tournament will be played for the first time since 2017, with 20 teams broken into four pools.

Within: 4 World Baseball Classic games are must-watch for Red Sox fans

Each country has a roster of 30 players and many of Major League Baseball's brightest stars will be taking a hiatus from spring training to participate. The Boston Red Sox will be sending approximately ten players (barring any late opt-outs or additions to rosters). Here are four early WBC games that Red Sox fans will not want to miss.

March 8th: Puerto Rico @ Boston Red Sox, Lee County, Florida

All 20 countries will start with exhibition tune-up games against non-tournament opponents. Though this matchup between Puerto Rico and the Red Sox will not count towards crowning the eventual WBC champion, it has plenty of intrigue for Red Sox fans.


It is no secret that Red Sox manager Alex Cora takes great pride in being from Puerto Rico. When he was hired, he was just the fourth Puerto Rican to be named a Major League Baseball manager. He often speaks of the importance of his heritage and is an advocate for baseball in the country. When an earthquake devastated the island, Cora led a relief trip to his hometown of Caguas. Next week, he will get to coach against his home country in this exhibition game and this matchup will carry much pride for him.

Team Puerto Rico also includes Red Sox infielders Kiké Hernández and Edwin Díaz. Hernández is coming off a busy offseason where he has embraced a leadership role with the team. On the field, Hernández is transitioning from playing centerfield to shortstop. Red Sox fans may get to see a different look to Hernández besides the position change. There are reports (see below) that team Puerto Rico will be "going blonde for the tournament".

March 9th: China @ Japan, Tokyo, Japan

When Japan hosts China, Red Sox fan will get their first glimpse of Masataka Yoshida in a game that counts since he signed a 5-year 90M deal with the team this offseason. After arriving at spring training, Yoshida surprised coaches (subscription required) with his power. He has fully embraced the Red Sox culture meeting with several Red Sox legends including Jim Rice and Pedro Martinez. The Red Sox will need big things from Yoshida this season and this will be the first chance for fans to see him in a game that matters.

Team Japan will also feature megastar Shohei Ohtani whose free agency after this season is already dominating baseball coverage. After he signed an endorsement deal with Boston-based New Balance, Red Sox fans cannot help but dream that this might be a precursor to him signing with the team next off-season. He recently left spring training with the Angels and arrived in Japan in true rockstar fashion.

March 11th: Colombia @ Mexico, Pheonix, Arizona

The matchup between Colombia and Mexico will feature several Red Sox players. Team Colombia features Red Sox catcher Jorge Alfaro and pitcher Rio Gomez. Alfaro has been a Red Sox fan favorite this spring, fueled by his resemblance to Hollywood's Aquaman (Jason Momoa). Fans can catch the Justice Leaguer do battle against Mexico in this matchup, but it is worth noting that he is not expected to be the team's primary catcher.

Team Mexico features Red Sox outfielders Alex Verdugo and Jarren Duran. Both players have had a nice start to spring training and will look to carry this over to the WBC. Red Sox manager Alex Cora gave "homework" to all the Red Sox WBC participants to create a presentation about their country. Verdugo and Duran took the prize after they brought a Mariachi band to their presentation.

Additional WBC notes, former Red Sox connections, and how you can watch all the action

This article could not possibly capture all the WBC storylines and here are some miscellaneous notes. Nick Pivetta will not play for Canada after having COVID-19 shortly before spring training started. Kenley Jansen will not initially join the Netherlands as he wants to spend time working on his delivery given the new pitch clock rule.

Speaking of the new rules, the World Baseball Classic will not implement Major League Baseball's recent rule changes including the pitch clock. This will give fans a brief reprieve from the recent changes and a chance to remember how different the game is without them.

Lastly, the Team United States is the defending WBC champion; their roster is loaded with great players, including several former Red Sox players such as Mookie Betts, Kyle Schwarber, Daniel Bard, and Adam Ottavino.

World Baseball Classic fever has taken hold internationally. In addition to the many excellent matchups, the Red Sox will have several players participating and fans should check out these games. Baseball is back.

Games will be broadcast on FOX, FS1, FS2, Tubi, and FOX Deportes. As always, tune into BoSox Injection for ongoing coverage.