How To Watch The World Baseball Classic
The World Baseball Classic is back after a two-year hiatus, and it promises to be an exciting event with the largest field and an impressive lineup of talent. Here’s everything you need to know about how to watch the World Baseball Classic and follow your favorite teams and players.
Where to Watch and Listen
You can catch all the action live on FOX, FS1, FS2, Tubi, and FOX Deportes. International broadcasts can be found on various platforms. If you prefer to listen to the games, live audio coverage will be available on SiriusXM, TuneIn, MLB.com, and in the MLB App. Additionally, highlights, recaps, and condensed games will be accessible on MLB.com, WorldBaseballClassic.com, MLB Network, and the MLB App.
Defending Champion and Tournament Format
Team USA won the tournament for the first time in 2017, and this will be the fifth installment of the World Baseball Classic. The event will feature 20 teams, an increase from 16, and will follow a pool play round-robin format, leading to an eight-team, single-elimination bracket.
How to Watch In-Person
If you prefer to experience the excitement firsthand, you can attend the games in person. The tournament will be held in various host cities, and tickets can be purchased for the games.
Player Participation and Roster Requirements
The 2023 Classic will showcase some of the world’s best baseball players, including current and former Major Leaguers. Each team’s final 30-man roster must include at least 14 pitchers and two catchers. Additionally, teams may identify a designated pool of 10 pitchers who are eligible to participate in one or more consecutive rounds.
Tournament Rules and Schedule
The World Baseball Classic will follow the 2022 Official Baseball Rules with specific stipulations, including the use of a designated hitter for all games and the enforcement of a three-batter minimum for pitchers. The tournament schedule is available for reference, with pool play taking place from March 8-15, followed by the quarterfinals, semifinals, and the championship game on March 21.
How to Watch Team USA
Team USA, the defending champion, is in Pool C along with Canada, Colombia, Great Britain, and Mexico. Their games will be played at Chase Field in Arizona. You can catch their matches on FOX and FOX Sports 1, and the games will also be available for streaming on the FOX Sports app and FOXSports.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I watch the World Baseball Classic in person?
Yes, you can attend the games in person. Tickets can be purchased for the tournament, and the games will be held in various host cities.
2. What are the rules for the World Baseball Classic?
The World Baseball Classic will follow the 2022 Official Baseball Rules with specific stipulations, including the use of a designated hitter for all games and the enforcement of a three-batter minimum for pitchers.
3. How can I watch Team USA’s World Baseball Classic games?
Team USA’s games will be aired on FOX and FOX Sports 1. You can also stream the games on the FOX Sports app and FOXSports.com.
4. What is the tournament format for the World Baseball Classic?
The tournament format includes a pool play round-robin, double-elimination tournament, leading to an eight-team, single-elimination bracket.
5. Which players will be participating in the 2023 World Baseball Classic?
The 2023 Classic will feature many of the world’s best baseball players, including dozens of current and former Major Leaguers such as Shohei Ohtani, Mike Trout, and Mookie Betts.
6. What are the pitcher use limits in the World Baseball Classic?
In order to reduce the risk of injury, pitchers have specific rest restrictions based on the number of pitches thrown and the time elapsed since their last appearance.