Here are three things for MLBTR readers to keep an eye on throughout the day:
1. World Baseball Classic continues:
Pool play in the World Baseball Classic continues today, although we already know which two teams will advance from Pool C (Japan, Korea) and Pool D (Venezuela, Dominican Republic). Puerto Rico in Pool A and USA in Pool B both have 3-0 records, with Puerto Rico having already clinched a spot in the quarterfinals. Team USA will need to beat Team Italy in this evening’s game (scheduled for 8pm local time in Houston) in order to clinch their spot; a loss to Italy tonight in conjunction with Italy losing to Mexico tomorrow would then result in a tiebreaker between the three clubs, who would have identical 3-1 records. As for Pool A, Cuba (2-1) is currently in the best position to make the quarterfinals, but Canada (1-1) could make things interesting with a win over Puerto Rico at 7pm ET.
2. More extensions on the way?
Yesterday, the Phillies stunned the baseball world with an out-of-the-blue extension for left-hander Jesus Luzardo. Luzardo landed a five-year, $135MM deal just months before he would have reached free agency. The 28-year-old signed on the heels of a season where he posted a 3.92 ERA in 32 starts with outstanding peripherals (2.90 FIP, 28.5% strikeout rate). Luzardo’s deal serves as a reminder that a lack of rumors surrounding a given player doesn’t necessarily signal a lack of negotiation going on behind the scenes. Luzardo joins Braves southpaw Chris Sale, Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy and A’s shortstop Jacob Wilson among the list of notable players to sign extensions in the past five to six weeks. Cardinals manager Oli Marmol, Brewers skipper Pat Murphy, and Padres president of baseball operations AJ Preller have also signed new contracts this spring.
As for Luzardo, his extension is expected to be formally announced by the team at a press conference today, per the New York Post’s Jon Heyman. That could lead to some comments of note from Phillies president Dave Dombrowski, so fans will want to keep an eye out for that.
3. MLBTR Chat today:
The World Baseball Classic is underway, and MLB clubs are entering the final weeks of Spring Training. Free agency is nearing its conclusion (the as-of-yet unsigned Lucas Giolito notwithstanding), and teams around baseball are gearing up for the 2026 campaign. If you’re wondering where your club stands, how their offseason went, or if there might be any other moves for your club to make before the season begins, you can get MLBTR’s Steve Adams thoughts in a chat that’s scheduled for 1pm CT. You can click here to ask a question in advance, follow along once it goes live, and read the transcript after it’s complete.
U.S.A! U.S.A! U.S.A!
It will be interesting to see if Puerto Rico rests some of their regulars against Canada tonight. It’s the prudent thing to do but it would give an advantage to the Canucks.
Appreciate the WBC updates
Regardless of whether Griffin starts on the Opening Day roster, the Pirates need to finalize an extension for him. Would be such a great end to the offseason.
Italy did better than I thought. Who’s pitching Italy vs. USA?
Anyone know why Yoshida was PH for in the game today? I missed the game and haven’t seen anyone posting about it.
If you were the Mets, would you go full youth movement with the outfield? Start Soto in left, Ewing in center, and Benge in right. If so, would the Mets be able to retain Tauchman and Taylor on the major league active roster?
WBC = waste of time….just to sell more hats and shirts….
Why do you not want baseball?