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As baseball enthusiasts around the globe look forward to the return of the MLB, they may not realize that the sport is already returning in the form of the World Baseball Classic. Set to commence on March 8th, this international tournament will once again showcase the best players from around the world, including the two-way marvel Shohei Ohtani, who will be representing Japan.

The presence of Ohtani in the tournament has added an extra layer of excitement to the event as fans eagerly anticipate the showdown between him and his LA Angels teammate, the incomparable Mike Trout. This much-awaited encounter between two of the game’s brightest stars, Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani, will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of the tournament and a treat for baseball lovers everywhere. And since the WBC is around the corner, an MLB veteran could not resist hyping their upcoming battle.

A much-awaited matchup between Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout

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In a recent upload by Bally Sports, Sarina, and Gordon Edes discuss the heavily awaited battle between the two-way wonder who’s turned the world of baseball around since his arrival in the Angels set up in 2017. On the other hand, is the perennially All-Star present outfielder Mike Trout. Together, the power-hitting slugger and two-way sensation have become the face of the Los Angeles Angels, and with the onset of the 2023 WBC, the duo is set to play against each other when Japan takes on the United States of America.

MLB Veteran Mark DeRosa, who made his debut in 1998 for the Braves, played as an almost-utility player with eight different teams until his retirement in 2013. He made an appearance in the interview with Bally Sports and weighed his opinion on the upcoming matchup.

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DeRosa said, “I hope we see it,” before humorously adding, “actually, you know what. Shohei, he can pitch another time against another team.”

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Who won the previous World Baseball Classic?

The WBC commenced in 2006 when Japan and Cuba reached the final. Since then, Japan has won the most Championships (2), while the United States of America and the Dominican Republic have won one each. The previous WBC in 2017 witnessed Puerto Rico and the United States in the final, with America emerging victorious.

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Who do you think will win the battle between Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout when the USA takes on Japan in the World Baseball Classic? Which country will ultimately emerge victorious in the WBC? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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