Dominican Republic, United States, Japan are Favorites

The United States has assembled another dynamite roster. Can the stars of the Dominican Republic crash Team USA’s dreams of another title? Read on for our best futures odds and picks for the World Baseball Classic.

The World Baseball Classic returns this spring after a lengthy COVID-19-related hiatus. The defending champion United States team may boast a star-studded roster, but it might not be the most loaded team in the tournament.

That distinction may go to the Dominican Republic. Since being knocked out in the semifinals six years ago, the DR has groomed a new crop of rising stars to form a squad that enters the 2023 event as the tournament favorite.

Here is our look at the best odds for the 2023 World Baseball Classic, along with a look at some potential picks.

World Baseball Classic odds 2023

World Baseball Classic best bets 2023

• United States (+250 via FanDuel or BetMGM) - February 1
• Dominican Republic (+200 across the board) - February 1
• Japan (+350 across the board) - February 1

World Baseball Classic odds: Favorites

Dominican Republic (+200 across the board)

The Dominican Republic is absolutely loaded with Major League talent. Outfielder Juan Soto, and infielders Manny Machado and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hardly scratch the surface of the firepower in this lineup. Reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Sandy Alcantara leads the pitching staff.

Champions of the 2013 World Baseball Classic, the DR enters this year’s tournament looking to avenge its 2017 defeat against Puerto Rico. At +200 across the board, there isn’t much advantage to choosing one sportsbook over another for this bet.

Because the Dominican Republic must vie for one of two spots in a highly competitive Pool D—where Venezuela and Puerto Rico also reside—there’s a world in which waiting for a brief slip-up by the DR could provide a bettor with more favorable odds. But if that’s what you’re looking for from this dynamic roster, you might just miss your window.

United States (+250 via FanDuel, BetMGM)

The winner of the event the last time it took place in 2017, Team USA is pretty stacked again this time around. First baseman Paul Goldschmidt, outfielder Mike Trout, shortstop Trea Turner, and third baseman Nolan Arenado should provide a threatening foundation for the batting order.

With Mexico as the only other team in Pool C ranked among the top 10 teams in the tournament odds board, Team USA should have no trouble advancing with one of the two tickets into the next round. For that reason, I don’t see their odds getting any longer as the tournament unfolds.

That means there’s no time like the present if you’re looking to bet the United States to repeat as WBC champions; FanDuel and BetMGM are the most optimal spots to do it, as you’ll find odds at +250 there rather than +225 at DraftKings or PointsBet.

Japan (+350 across the board)

In what is generally considered a top-heavy tournament, the next team on the odds board might be the last one with a legitimate shot to take down the tournament title. Dual-threat Shohei Ohtani, starter Yu Darvish, outfielder Seiya Suzuki, and outfielder Lars Nootbaar are among the handful of MLB names representing Japan.

Just because the average MLB fan may not have heard of the majority of the talented players on this roster, though, doesn’t mean people should overlook them. The country that won back-to-back WBC titles in 2006 and 2009 is worth a look at +350 across the board. With South Korea representing the primary challenge in Pool B, I’m not sure that Japan’s odds will get any more favorable than the current numbers after it advances to the second round.

World Baseball Classic odds: Contenders

Puerto Rico (+1200 via FanDuel)

Managed by recently retired MLB catcher Yadier Molina, you know Team Puerto Rico will be eager to defy the odds once again after its thrilling ouster of the Dominican Republic in the 2017 event. Starters Jose Berrios and Marcus Stroman lead a sturdy pitching staff and there will be no shortage of shortstop talent on the roster, with Carlos Correa, Francisco Lindor, and Javier Baez all expected to participate.

The problem for Puerto Rico could be advancing out of a difficult Pool B over one of the Dominican Republic or Venezuela. If they can do it, though, things could get interesting. Though the +1200 odds at FanDuel are attractive, it might benefit bettors to wait to see whether this group escapes pool play. If it happens, the odds for Team Puerto Rico will probably still be plenty juicy considering the gauntlet they’d need to get through in order to reach the final again.

Venezuela (+1800 via FanDuel, BetMGM)

Shifting closer to long-shot territory with this group, the path to a title for Venezuela first involves upsetting one of the Dominican Republic or Puerto Rico to earn a spot in the quarterfinals out of Pool D. 

Given that Venezuela is generally considered the third-best team in this pool, the odds are tremendously favorable at present for those who believe they can shock the baseball world. Go with FanDuel or BetMGM for the most favorable odds at +1800. Avoid the +1300 odds at DraftKings.

South Korea (+2500 via FanDuel)

Team South Korea has some interesting storylines for this WBC, including infielder Tommy Edman becoming the first non-native South Korean to represent the national team in the tournament. Shortstop Ha-Seong Kim and first baseman Ji-Man Choi are the only other big-league names on the roster. 

Korea should have the inside track to advance alongside Japan from Pool B, so these +2500 odds at FanDuel are somewhat interesting. Waiting to ensure this team actually advances probably won’t hurt your odds too much though, as South Korea would still likely be fifth on the board out of eight projected quarterfinalists. Don’t settle for the +1400 odds at DraftKings or PointsBet.

World Baseball Classic odds: Long shots

Cuba (+2500 via FanDuel)

Cuba boasts Chicago White Sox stars Luis Robert and Yoan Moncada alongside a number of players from minor-league organizations. The pitching could have trouble against some of the loaded lineups in the latter rounds of the tournament, but Cuba is probably the favorite to advance out of Pool A over Italy, Netherlands, and Chinese Taipei. 

The odds for Cuba are identical to those of South Korea across the board, making FanDuel the most attractive spot for this wager. Again, DraftKings and PointsBet don’t provide much value at +1400. I don’t envision there being much of an advantage to waiting for Cuba to advance out of their pool, so jump on these long odds now if you like this team’s chances of making a deep run.

Cuba seems like a savvy team for a futures bet that you may decide to cash out early on if they pull off an upset or two en route to the semifinals, as their pitching isn’t likely to stand up to some of the juggernauts in the latter rounds.

Mexico (+4000 via BetMGM)

Mexico is putting together a sneaky amount of talent for its roster and one could make the case that when the final roster is unveiled officially, this team might see an odds bump that takes away some of the tremendous value currently sitting out there.

BetMGM has Mexico at +4000 to take home the title. With the number of known big-league names in play for the preliminary roster—particularly on the pitching staff—it’s possible Mexico makes a deeper run than expected along with the United States advancing out of Pool C. Make this wager at BetMGM rather than FanDuel, where your odds will be cut in half to +2000.

Recent World Baseball Classic winners

• 2017: United States
• 2013: Dominican Republic
• 2009: Japan
• 2006: Japan

World Baseball Classic FAQs

Who won the last World Baseball Classic?

The United States defeated Puerto Rico 8-0 in the 2017 World Baseball Classic final. The event has not been held since due to complications involving the COVID-19 pandemic.

When will the World Baseball Classic be played?

Pool play will take place from March 8-15. The Quarterfinals will run March 15-18. The semifinals take place March 19-20, with the championship game on March 21.

Where will the World Baseball Classic be played?

Pool games will be hosted in Taiwan, Japan, Miami and Phoenix. The quarterfinals will be held between Tokyo, Japan and Miami. The semifinals and championship will be held in Miami.

How to watch the World Baseball Classic

Pool play will take place from March 8-15. The quarterfinals will run March 15-18. The semifinals take place March 19-20, with the championship game on March 21. The tournament will be broadcasted exclusively by FOX networks.

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