The 2023 World Baseball Classic has begun, but it is not too late to lock in future bets on which country will win it all. According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the Dominican Republic (+230) is the favorite to win the 2023 WBC, with the USA (+250) and Japan (+270) right behind them.
Below is a breakdown of each Country’s odds of winning the 2023 WBC, along with some bets to consider for the tournament.
2023 World Baseball Classic – Odds to Win
| Country | Odds of Winning | Pool |
|---|---|---|
| Dominican Republic | +230 | D |
| United States | +250 | C |
| Japan | +270 | B |
| Venezuela | +1200 | D |
| Korea | +1200 | B |
| Mexico | +1800 | C |
| Puerto Rico | +2000 | D |
| Netherlands | +5000 | A |
| Cuba | +6000 | A |
| Canada | +10000 | C |
| Panama | +12000 | A |
| Colombia | +12000 | C |
| Italy | +12000 | A |
| Australia | +25000 | B |
| Israel | +25000 | D |
| Chinese Taipei | +40000 | A |
| Czech Republic | +40000 | B |
| Nicaragua | +40000 | D |
| Great Britain | +50000 | C |
| China | +50000 | B |
2023 World Baseball Classic – The Favorites
Dominican Republic, Pool D (+230) – To no one’s surprise, the absolutely loaded Dominican Republic squad is the odds favorite to win the 2023 World Baseball Classic. While their entire roster is great, there are some standouts on their pitching staff and in their lineup. Last year’s NL Cy Young Winner, Sandy Alcantara, is the ace of this pitching staff, but there is more. The Dominican Republic also has studs on the bump, like Houston’s Cristian Javier, Philadephia’s Gregory Soto, and the Pirate’s Roansy Contreras. Their lineup is also loaded, featuring star MLB players such as Rafael Devers, Manny Machado, Wander Franco, Julio Rodriguez, and Juan Soto.
United States, Pool C (+250) – Not only does the US have a weak pool to advance to the second round of the tournament but this team is also loaded. Their pitching staff consists of studs like Lance Lynn, Merrill Kelly, Miles Mikolas, Adam Wainwright, and Devin Williams. Offensively, this team sports J.T Realmuto, Pete Alonso, Nolan Arenado, Paul Goldschmidt, Trae Turner, Mookie Betts, Kyle Tucker, and of course, Captain America, Mike Trout. This roster is not only loaded, but they also have WBC experience and a clear path to making the finals.
Japan, Pool B (+270) – Japan sports the biggest weapon in the tournament, AL MVP Shohei Ohtani. Not only is Pool B weak, but this Japan roster is loaded with professional MLB players and professional Japanese players, arguably the 2nd best professional baseball league in the world. Yu Darvish and Yuki Matsui headline their pitching staff, while Lars Nootbaar, Masataka Yoshida, and Tetsuto Yamada anchor this lineup.
2023 World Baseball Classic – Best Value Bets
Puerto Rico, Pool D (+2000) – Pool D is tough, but if any country other than the Dominican Republic can make its way to the second round and beyond, it is Puerto Rico. They are loaded with pitchers like Marcus Stroman, Jose Berrios, and Edwin Diaz. Their lineup is also stout, with players like Eddie Rosario, Javier Baez, and Francisco Lindor. With ex-MLB legend Yadier Molina as manager, I think this team can make noise in the tournament.
Mexico, Pool C (+1800) – Besides the US, Pool C is weak, and Mexico can take advantage. Mexico sports MLB players like Taijuan Walker and Jose Urquidy on the bump and Jarren Duran, Randy Arozarena, Alex Verdugo, and Rowdy Tellez in its lineup. Mexico’s lineup is not overly deep, but this is a well-constructed team with enough pitching power to make a run.
2023 World Baseball Classic – Best Longshot Bet
Netherlands, Pool A (+5000) – The Netherlands kicked off the World Baseball Classic with a 4-2 win over Cuba, so this team has already put itself in a position to advance. While this pitching staff leaves a lot to be desired, this lineup is legit. It will be tough to beat teams loaded with MLB talent, but the Netherlands has a lineup that can keep them in games.
2023 World Baseball Classic – Best Bet
United States to win the 2023 World Baseball Classic (+250) – This pick may not be the sexiest, but it is the easiest to make. Top to bottom, I’d argue that the US has the best roster in the entire tournament. Not to mention, experience goes a long way in these tournaments, and the US has a bunch of guys who were on the 2017 roster. Finish that off with the fact that some players on the US like Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado, are coming some of the best seasons of their careers, and the US has all the makings to win this tournament.