The Call Up | An MLB Prospect Podcast · Just Baseball Media

477 | Top Prospects on WBC Rosters

·53 min·4 clips

Why Venezuela, not the U.S. or Dominican Republic, could win the World Baseball Classic.

This episode of The Call Up previews the top prospects participating in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Hosts Mike and Geoff analyze which young players will represent their countries and their potential tournament impact. They first highlight Venezuela as a potential tournament winner, citing its solid rotation and bullpen despite a lineup less star-studded than the U.S. or Dominican Republic. The hosts then discuss the annual wave of spring training injuries, noting Spencer Schwellenbach's elbow surgery and hamstring issues for players like Francisco Lindor and Corbin Carroll. For Team USA, they identify pitcher Nolan McClain as the lone prospect, comparing his role to Bobby Witt Jr. in the last WBC and Anthony Davis on the 2012 Olympic team. They speculate McClain could be a devastating bullpen weapon with his high-velocity fastballs and sweeper. Team Australia's key prospect is outfielder Travis Buzana, who is expected to hit leadoff and play with visible passion. Puerto Rico's roster includes prospects Edwin Arroyo, a defensive-minded infielder, and pitcher Elmer Rodriguez, who could slot in as a starter behind Seth Lugo. For Canada, they discuss Owen Casey's power potential and lefty pitcher Matt "Tugboat" Wilkinson's funky delivery possibly playing up in relief. They also predict a strong tournament from Tyler Black, citing his on-base skills and 12 stolen bases in his final 24 AAA games. The hosts express personal excitement for Team Colombia, hoping a run could boost baseball's popularity there, with Mariners prospect Michael Arroyo as a potential X-factor. Panama features two prospects: speedy outfielder Enrique Bradfield Jr. and catcher Leonardo Bernal. The Netherlands' outfield defense could be elite with prospects Drew Jones and Ceddanne Rafaela covering ground. Great Britain's pitching will rely on strike-throwers like Gary Gil Hill and Brendan Beck, while catcher Harry Ford will handle the staff. A surprising claim is that Italy's roster is "loaded" and a potential Cinderella, featuring several prospects alongside established big leaguers. They note Mets prospect Nick Morabito might be the tournament's fastest player, with sprint speeds over 30 feet per second in the Arizona Fall League. An interesting tactical discussion revolves around how teams will piece together pitching, with big-league starters likely limited to four innings, opening opportunities for prospects in bulk relief roles. The tone is conversational and analytically focused, blending roster breakdowns with personal enthusiasm for international baseball. Listeners who enjoy prospect evaluation and international tournament previews will love this episode. Those seeking game recaps or non-prospect WBC analysis might skip it.

As heard by us

WBC roster talk that centers prospect depth, bullpen strength, and lineup upside.

This episode stays close to roster building, and that focus works. Venezuela comes across as the side to beat, while Colombia feels like the underdog worth tracking.

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Why you'd press play

Press play if you want WBC rosters treated like prospect boards.

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