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The World Baseball Classic 2026 is now in the books. Venezuela emerged triumphant in dramatic fashion, courtesy of former D-back Eugenio Suarez’s go-ahead double in the ninth inning. Though this was helped in no small measure by current D-back Eduardo Rodriguez’s shutdown start
for his team. It was the first win for Venezuela, who last got past the quarter-finals in 2009. Meanwhile, Team USA suffered their second straight 3-2 loss in the final, and will now have to wait until 2029 to try and repeat their sole triumph in the event, having won it back in 2017.
It feels to me like the event grows in stature each time. Certainly, interest seems to be higher, with attendance at the pool games up about 18% compared to the same amount in 2023, and overall, an increase from 1,165,857 to 1,355,266, a 16% gain. TV ratings are also up significantly. I’m pleased to report that the pool game between the USA and Great Britain became the most watched non-final game ever. That record was beaten a few days later with the USA-Mexico match-up, and shattered by the USA-DR semi-final, which was reportedly watched by seven million people, despite going up against the Oscars. The final figures, still pending, should be similarly record-setting.
It also feels like there were an awful lot of “viral” moments during the tournament, from Team Italy installing an espresso machine in the dugout, to the dancing Venezuelans. The single game nature of the tournament also meant plenty of scope for shocks, both in pool play and the knockout stages. Who would have predicted the Italians coming out ahead of both the United States and Mexico, or Venezuela prevailing against the reigning champions of Japan, led by the Emperor of Baseball himself, Shohei Ohtani? Hell, Britain scoring first against the US, and holding them scoreless through four innings?
But it feels like there is still room for improvement. In particular, the timing of the tournament, during spring training, means that some players will not be able to compete, while pitchers are going to be particularly limited in how much they can do for their country. Might it be better for the event to be moved in the calendar? Over on Bleed Cubbie Blue, Al Yellon discusses an interesting idea from Jayson Stark: move the knockout rounds to the All-Star break. Stark wants to fit both that and the ASG in, but Yellon is even more radical. “Every third or fourth year, when the WBC would take place, you’d simply replace the All-Star Game and Home Run Derby with these games.”
What do you think? What changes would you make to the WBC for 2029? [Beyond the implementation of ABS, of course – sit down, Geraldo!] Did you enjoy this year’s version of the tournament? What and who stood out for you? Tell us in the comments, once you have voted in the poll!
