World Baseball Classic Odds, Picks & Predictions: Tuesday (3/7)

The World Baseball Classic gets underway today with its first matchup between Cuba and Netherlands coming out of pool A.

Tuesday’s Best World Baseball Classic Picks

(All odds via DraftKings)

Cuba vs. Netherlands

The Netherlands has some names you will recognize in the lineup. Xander Bogaerts, who just signed a $300 million contract with the Padres, leads the big names on this roster. They also feature Didi Gregorius, Jonathan Schoop, Andrelton Simmons, and other players with MLB service time.

The pitching looks like it will be their weak point. They have Braves closer Kenley Jensen, who should play that role, and former Cubs reliever Pedro Strop, but there’s little MLB experience after that.

They might look to young players, like Pirates prospect Antwone Kelly and Phillies prospect Jaydenn Estanista, in what is a not-very-good batch of starters.

Cuba also has some major league talent for the first time, as defeated players from Cuba are allowed to play for the team. Luis Robert and Yoan Moncada lead this young roster, and they also have former major Yoenis Cespedes as a notable player.

Just like the Netherlands, Cuba lacks pitching depth on their roster. For Cuba, no notable names with any MLB experience will be on this roster.

Cuba and Netherlands have met four times in the WBC, with the Netherlands winning three, including 14-1 in the last matchup. This should be a much better game with MLB players on the Cuban roster.

With both teams’ abundance of power and lack of pitching, the offense will be on display, so take the over.