With the 2021 World Baseball Classic being the only currently scheduled baseball on the docket (even WBC qualifiers have been canceled in light of COVID-19) New York Mets right-hander and Team USA standout in the 2017 edition of the WBC, Marcus Stroman, apparently figured Thursday would be as good a day as ever to begin recruiting for next spring’s tournament.
It looks like there’s a new Captain America, people. Forget Ocean’s 11. This is Stroman’s 26.
After playing a big part in bringing the United States its first WBC title in 2017 (2.35 ERA, nine strikeouts, two walks over 15.1 innings) and appearing to absolutely relish the opportunity of representing his country on the diamond, Stroman took to Twitter on Thursday in an attempt to get the gang back together. It didn’t take much cajoling to see the framework of USA’s roster begin to take shape.
As of Thursday evening, Stroman procured commitments from Eric Hosmer, Nolan Arenado, Christian Yelich, David Dahl, Trevor Story, Cody Bellinger, Joey Gallo, Pete Alonso, Walker Buehler, Mike Clevinger, Trevor Bauer, and Taylor Rogers to play in next year’s event.
Other players that have been extended Stro-vites are Mookie Betts, Mike Trout, Aaron Judge, and Bo Bichette.
