Max Scherzer Commits To Team USA In The Upcoming World Baseball Classic

NL #CyYoung candidate @Max_Scherzer will pitch for Team USA in the 2017 @WBCBaseball per @jonmorosi. #MLBNHotStove pic.twitter.com/tZwPaqarvG

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) November 8, 2016

This is a huge get for fans of the World Baseball Classic, as well as fans of Team USA. The biggest problem for the past three WBCs has been a lack of star power in the tournament. This has especially been the case with Team USA, who's roster has never reflected the talent it could put on the field if the best players played. 

Off the top of my head USA could field an outfield of Bryce Harper, Mike Trout, and Mookie Betts. It could feature Nolan Arenado, Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Corey Seager, and many other stud hitters in the infield. The rotation could be comprised of aces such as Clayton Kershaw, Madison Bumgarner, Noah Syndergaard, Stephen Strasburg, Corey Kluber, etc. The possibilities are endless. 

USA won't ever get ALL those guys to commit but they need several of them if they want fans to take this thing seriously. In three tournaments our country has a combined 10-10 record and has finished no higher than fourth. That's not good for a sport we consider to be our national pastime.

The WBC is coming back in March of 2017 and with this Scherzer news there is beginning to be a bit of a buzz about it. It was reported recently that neither Trout nor Harper are on the 50 man preliminary roster for USA. While that's disappointing to hear there are names on the list that are worth getting excited about. They include Bryant, Arenado, Kluber, Syndergaard, Jake Arrieta, David Price, Giancarlo Stanton, Dellin Betances, Andrew Miller, Buster Posey, and more. 

It's exciting to think about the potential American roster if even half of those guys commit. It's a tough spot for a lot of players. The WBC will run from March 7th to March 22nd, which is right in the middle of Spring Training and could affect their season preparation. At the same time it's not too often you get a chance to represent your country. Hopefully more players will be following Scherzer's lead, who is the first to commit to playing despite leading the National League in innings pitched this year.