Samurai Japan has won the World Baseball Classic, beating Team USA in a clash of the behemoths. It was a storyline that had been building up as the two global baseball juggernauts progressed through the tournament. Japan outlasted Team USA, taking home a close 3-2 victory. But within that game, another storyline developed. The matchup between Los Angeles Angels teammates Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani.
The Japanese two-way phenom was the clear victor this time, striking out his Angels teammate in the bottom of the 9th inning; it was the moment Ohtani killed the game and took the trophy home for his nation. But Trout has promised a round 2 of this matchup with his cold words.
Mike Trout has promised that there will be a second round of his matchup with Shohei Ohtani
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Losing the World Baseball Classic Final was double the devastation for Mike Trout. The star centerfielder also lost his matchup against Shohei Ohtani. But this is not the last we will see of this epic showdown between MLB’s top stars. Trout promised that there would be a round 2 in a cryptic message. Talkin’ Baseball shared the message on Twitter.
"He won Round One." -Mike Trout on Shohei Ohtani matchup
(via @BNightengale) pic.twitter.com/RjBjTaKqvb
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) March 22, 2023
In a Tweet, Talkin’ Baseball said, “‘He won Round One.’ -Mike Trout on Shohei Ohtani matchup”. This statement has sent baseball fans and followers into a frenzy of activity on Twitter.
Some fans speculated that this second round would take place after Ohtani is traded.
Round 2 will be when Ohtani is a Mariner and he’ll win that one too
— John Swift (@JohnBSwift) March 22, 2023
Sounds like Dodgers Angels World Series to me
— Vince (@vtheprince__) March 22, 2023
Definitely gonna see some good matchups between these 2 next year
— urchinscratch (@urchinscratch) March 22, 2023
Others predicted that Trout would get traded, though that seems unlikely.
can’t wait to see round 2 with trout in pinstripes
— @SemperFi (@SEMPERFi0770) March 22, 2023
they will both be phillies #soon https://t.co/YfYGfJid2x
— Hoodie⁷ (@HoodieXF) March 22, 2023
One of them is leaving, for sure, after this season. https://t.co/dyPjoLs6Ec
— Bryan (@USCOracle) March 22, 2023
But in fact, Trout had earlier committed to playing the next World Baseball Classic in 2026. According to Fox Sports MLB, Trout said, “I already told them I am doing the next one. I am already in, if I’m DH-ing, playing left field. Whatever they want, I’m in.” This is a huge commitment from Trout as he will be in his mid-30s by the time the next Classic happens. But the Angels centerfielder will now be focused on the upcoming MLB season.
"I already told them I am doing the next one. I am already in… Whatever they want, I'm in."@MikeTrout verbally commits to playing in the 2026 WBC 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/jOVbGMlz46
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 21, 2023
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Trout and Ohtani will team up to take on the AL
Following their intense World Baseball Classic Final, Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani will play together on the Los Angeles Angels. Furthermore, it might be their last season together as Ohtani enters free agency after the 2023 season. Angels’ owner Art Moreno is committed to keeping Ohtani, but it won’t be easy.
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What do you think of the second round that Trout is referring to? Will it take place at the 2026 WBC or will it happen earlier than that? Kindly share your thoughts on the topic down below!