Bill Plaschke used to ignore the World Baseball Classic, but he has been wowed by the dramatic tournament that feels bigger than the World Series.

Shohei Ohtani walked off the infield after Japan’s World Baseball Classic ended, just like three years ago, only the final out could not have been more different.

There have been dramatic finishes and upsets – the kind you don’t experience if you spent a lifetime watching games in the Cactus League or Grapefruit League. And to think: we haven’t even reached the semi-finals or the championship game.

The Red Sox outfielder was one of the best hitters in the tournament, going 5 for 15 with three home runs, five RBIs and two stolen bases in four games.

With Clayton Kershaw being removed from Team USA's roster, the Blue Jays reliever has joined America's pitching staff. In the 2025 postseason, Hoffman, a 2024 All-Star, recorded a 1.46 ERA, 0.81 WHIP and 18 strikeouts across 12.1 innings pitched for Toronto. Team USA will play the Dominican Republic in the semifinal round on Mar. 15.

Shohei Ohtani and reigning champ Japan faced Venezuela team in WBC quarterfinals. Check out the highlights.

SportsLine expert Angelo "Amags" Magliocca analyzes Saturday's Puerto Rico vs. Italy quarterfinal at the World Baseball Classic and offers his best bets

The Chicago Cubs have plenty of players contributing at the World Baseball Classic, including Seiya Suzuki, who is a key part of Team Japan. The 31‑year‑old will be entering the final year of his five‑year, $85 million contract once his run at the WBC comes to an end.