HOUSTON – Team USA has definitely “punched its ticket” this time. And it’s a ticket to a real heavyweight bout. After a tumultuous couple of days emanating from a regrettable MLB Network interview segment for manager Mark DeRosa and a lamentable loss to upstart Italy, the American dream in this

MIAMI -- Vlad Jr. went airborne. Juan Soto went swimming. Austin Wells went deep off the facing of the second deck. And the Dominican Republic went on to the semifinals of the World Baseball Classic. The D.R. rolled past Korea, 10-0, in a seven-inning, run-rule shortened game in the opening

Cal Raleigh is certainly consistent. Four days after Team USA’s catcher declined to shake hands with Team Mexico outfielder Randy Arozarena at the World Baseball Classic -- leading to some choice words postgame -- a similar situation played out, featuring Raleigh and a different Mariners teammate. During the first inning

HOUSTON -- Team Italy’s roster is filled primarily with players who were eligible for Team USA but weren’t selected over the superstar names. Puerto Rico’s would-be roster was adversely affected by the unfortunate insurance and injury issues that prevented some of the island’s biggest products from participating. And yet here

MIAMI -- We’re in the knockout stages now: Any loss from here on out means the end of the tournament and a trip back home. Venezuela is the away team after finishing second in Pool D following a close loss to the Dominican Republic on Wednesday night in Miami at

MIAMI — The Dominican Republic has battered its opponents this World Baseball Classic, launching home runs with abandon, with wild celebrations at home plate. But that doesn’t mean they can’t score in other ways. In Friday night's 10-0 quarterfinal victory against Korea, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. drew a second-inning walk against

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It’s the electric, bat-flipping brilliance of the Dominican Republic’s loaded lineup versus the electric, bat-defying brilliance of Paul Skenes’ right arm. It’s the intensity of Team USA, relishing in the bonding experience but also fully aware of the gold-or-bust stakes, versus the showmanship and looseness of a Dominican Republic club

PEORIA, Ariz. -- Kyle Tucker had taken enough free passes this spring. The Dodgers' star right fielder had already walked twice in as many trips to the plate on Friday night at Peoria Sports Complex. But after working a full count in his third plate appearance, he let his bat

DUNEDIN, Fla. -- The best things happening to the Blue Jays aren’t happening in Dunedin. The World Baseball Classic is bringing out the biggest, brightest, loudest version of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and it’s only the middle of March. One of baseball’s greatest showmen is starting early.

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The ball soared over the fence. Hiram Bithorn Stadium erupted in revelry. Darell Hernaiz skipped around the bases, the ballpark lights strobing overhead, as his teammates waited to receive him at home plate. And the Puerto Rican fans sang along to "Preciosa," swelling with pride and love

HOUSTON -- Clayton Kershaw has hung ‘em up. Again. Team USA’s 5-3 win over Canada in the quarterfinals of the World Baseball Classic on Friday night at Daikin Park served as Kershaw’s final game on an active roster. He’ll be replaced prior to the semifinals against the Dominican Republic by

Baseball's version of 2026 March Madness is winding down to its final four. What has been an epic World Baseball Classic moves to the semifinal stage starting Sunday, when Team USA and the Dominican Republic face off at 8 p.m. ET at loanDepot park in Miami with a trip to

GLENDALE, Ariz. – By now, everyone has heard of the bidets being installed within the White Sox home clubhouse at Rate Field in Chicago for the 2026 regular season and beyond. Those installations came as a recommendation from first baseman Munetaka Murakami, who joined the White Sox as a free

One of the best things about going to Spring Training from an MLB Pipeline perspective is that you often get to see and talk to prospects you’ve only really seen on a screen. Maybe you’ve seen video or read about them, but seeing them playing games is a real treat.

NORTH PORT, Fla. -- Antoan Richardson strengthened his reputation as a baserunning guru when he helped Juan Soto shock the baseball world with 38 stolen bases last season. So now that Richardson has switched from the Mets’ coaching staff to the Braves’, might Austin Riley tally at least 15 steals

DUNEDIN, Fla. -- Friday morning, Trey Yesavage walked back into the Blue Jays’ clubhouse holding a plaque. He’d just been named the Blue Jays’ 2025 Minor League Pitcher of the Year. It felt like watching the Academy Awards ceremony, when the nominees for Best Picture are announced and we’re left

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Ever wonder what a Spring Training day is like for two big leaguers who are also roommates and best buds? Welcome to the Wittz-Carlton.

LAKELAND, Fla. -- Pirates reliever Chris Devenski was carted off the field after being struck in the head by a line drive during Friday night’s 7-5 win over the Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium. Devenski, in Pirates camp as a non-roster invite after signing a Minor League deal in January,

PEORIA, Ariz. -- By now, virtually everyone following the sport has seen the clips, heard the player reactions -- and more so, had a take -- on the awkward exchange between Cal Raleigh and Randy Arozarena at the World Baseball Classic on Monday night. The not-so-ideal part for the Mariners

NORTH PORT, Fla. -- You hear it constantly as teams evaluate players this time of year: Spring Training is far more about the process than on-field results. That, of course, applies to some players more than others -- but it's particularly true in the case of Randal Grichuk.

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- The exasperation that Mets fans and officials have sometimes felt about Kodai Senga is rooted in his talent. At his best, Senga has been a dynamic force on the mound, capable of throwing in the upper 90s and possessing some of the most lethal secondary

Twenty teams began in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Only eight clubs remain. The ‘26 WBC quarterfinals will take place in Miami and Houston on Friday and Saturday and there will be some compelling matchups. On Friday night, the Dominican Republic will face Korea (6:30 p.m. ET, FS2), while Team