The United States has done well in the 2017 World Baseball Classic as it advanced to the second round with a 2-1 record. While the U.S. roster is chock full of All-Stars, it is noticeably lacking baseball’s best talent, namely Mike Trout.
Trout, who debuted in 2011, declined to participate in the WBC in 2013 as well as ’17. However, his interest in the international competition has increased after watching this year’s games and now says he’ll “probably do it” when the WBC comes back around again, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.
Trout said, “I mean, definitely, in the future, for sure. If I get the opportunity to do it again, I’ll probably do it.” Asked to elaborate on why he declined his most recent invitation, the WBC was likened to the Home Run Derby. To that, Trout responded, “Yeah, that hits it on the nose.”
The 25-year-old phenom is entering his seventh season in the major leagues. He won his second career American League Most Valuable Player Award after hitting .315/.441/.550 with 29 home runs, 100 RBI, 123 runs scored, and 30 stolen bases in 681 plate appearances. Trout is unequivocally the best player in baseball and is well on his way to becoming one of the greatest players to ever live. The U.S. is clearly not competing at full strength with Trout absent from the roster.
