The 2023 World Baseball Classic exceeded expectations after the tournament’s six-year hiatus. There were incredible upsets, heartwarming storylines, and a remarkable collection of some of the greatest baseball players in the world. Overall, there was much to be happy about during this year’s WBC, even with some players and nations playing below expectations. While there were a few high-profile injuries, most of the tournament was viewed as a positive throughout the baseball universe. That said, there were definitely winners and losers in this fifth edition of the World Baseball Classic.
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2023 World Baseball Classic Losers (Fantasy Baseball)
Loser: Edwin Diaz (RP – NYM)
Yikes. While celebrating Puerto Rico’s upset win over the Dominican Republic, pitcher Edwin Diaz ruptured the patellar tendon in his right knee. Diaz, the superstar closer for the New York Mets, signed a massive contract extension during the offseason. This injury likely knocks him out of the entire 2023 season and removes a top fantasy baseball closer just weeks before Opening Day. Diaz finished 2022 with 32 saves and a minuscule 1.31 ERA.
Loser: The Dominican Republic
Shockingly, the favorites going into the 2023 World Baseball Classic could not advance out of their pool. Tasked with facing both Puerto Rico and Venezuela, the Dominican Republic struggled to score when they needed to most. Sending out one of the best lineups in the tournament, the D.R. struck out in 29.7% of their at-bats over their four games. The 2022 American League Rookie of the Year, Julio Rodriguez, struck out nine times in 18 at-bats, while All-Star third baseman Rafael Devers also struggled, hitting .125 during the tournament. This small sample size will likely not represent these stars’ 2023 regular-season performances, but not advancing out of their pool was a letdown for the baseball island powerhouse.
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