The Mets could lose as many as 12 players from their spring training roster due to the World Baseball Classic this season and even more minor leaguers. The WBC always complicates spring training but this year it’s even trickier with so many impactful rule changes being implemented.
Pitchers will be on a timer, the bases are bigger and there are rules limiting the shift. That last one could be especially difficult for the Mets considering the entire infield will be competing in the MLB’s global baseball showcase. Mets’ manager Buck Showalter confirmed that Pete Alonso, Jeff McNeil, Francisco Lindor and Eduardo Escobar will all be competing for their respective countries in the WBC. Joining them will be Omar Narvaez, left-handed starter Jose Quintana and relievers Brooks Raley and Edwin Diaz, plus a handful of Mets’ minor leaguers.
It’s not ideal, but the experience of playing in an international best-on-best tournament isn’t something Showalter wants to take away from his players as he wants to see talent across all rosters.
“Jeff is really excited,” Showalter said Tuesday night at Chelsea Piers, shortly after being honored at the 43rd annual Thurman Munson dinner. “So is Francisco. For Escobar, it was a big deal to him that he was asked and he wants to be a part of it. The pitchers have a lot of pride.”
The risk of injury is also there and no manager wants to see their players leaving camp only to sit on the bench. Showalter has been in close communication with Team USA manager Mark DeRosa as well as the managers from teams representing other countries.
“The worst thing would be for someone to leave and go and not play at all,” Showalter said. “And I know I’ve voiced that to managers and stuff. It’s fine and we’re excited and proud that they’re going, but they can’t come back and be way behind. You worry when guys start their clock up that quickly. But it’s good for the game in total.”
A few key players declined to play in the event. New right-hander Kodai Senga has starred for Japan on the international stage in the past but he is skipping this year’s tournament in order to acclimate to playing in North America. Brandon Nimmo, who played for Italy in 2017, will not be participating this season.
Max Scherzer had previously expressed interest in playing for Team USA but will remain in Port St. Lucie instead. The WBC begins March 8, which is a key time for Scherzer.
“He just felt like it was probably not in the best interest for this season,” Showalter said of his ace’s decision. “He’ll start ramping it up early.”
The one silver lining is that it opens up opportunities for prospects. Francisco Alvarez and Brett Baty are already in Port St. Lucie and they will get plenty of reps in spring training with others absent.
Every team will lose a significant amount of talent for spring training and every team will have to adjust to the new rules on the fly. The Mets are no different. The WBC is an important event to spotlight the game around the world, especially in countries where the game is growing in popularity.
“The bottom line I think enhances our game globally,” Showalter said. “I support it, but you know, I’m looking at it selfishly from what’s best for the New York Mets. So we’re gonna keep a close eye on it.”
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