Baseball

3/16/2026 |  Dominican WBC loss ends on called strike that appeared low, a week before robot umps arrive in MLB (Associated Press (AP))

MIAMI (AP) — Ten days later, the United States and the Dominican Republic would have kept on playing.

Geraldo Perdomo watched Mason Miller’s full-count slider appear to drop just under the strike zone and took a step toward his team’s dugout on the third-base side, thinking he walked to put runners at the corners.

3/16/2026 |  Shohei Ohtani ends World Baseball Classic just like in 2023, but as loser instead of champion (Associated Press (AP)) MIAMI (AP) — Shohei Ohtani walked off the infield after Japan’s World Baseball Classic ended, just like three years ago, only the final out could not have been more different.
Ohtani triumphantly tossed his glove and cap in 2023, then stretched his arms wide as teammates mobbed him when he struck out Mike Trout to end a 3-2 win over the U.S. that finished Japan’s third WBC title.

3/16/2026 |  New union head says 2027 MLB work stoppage could disrupt plans for big leaguers at 2028 Olympics (Associated Press (AP)) MIAMI (AP) — A work stoppage that leads to canceled games during the 2027 Major League Baseball season could disrupt plans under discussion to have big league players participate in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The Major League Baseball Players Association is negotiating with Major League Baseball, the IOC, the Los Angeles Organizing Committee for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the World Baseball Softball Confederation on the six-nation baseball event, scheduled for Dodger Stadium from July 15-20 during what could be an extended All-Star break.

3/16/2026 |  Aaron Judge says World Baseball Classic has surpassed World Series in importance (Associated Press (AP)) MIAMI (AP) — On a night when All-Stars and future Hall of Famers thrilled fans and each other until the final out, Aaron Judge proclaimed the World Baseball Classic had grown into the sport’s biggest event.
“It’s bigger and better than the World Series,” the U.S. captain said after a 2-1 semifinal win over the Dominican Republic that came down to Sunday night’s final pitch. “The passion that these fans have, representing their country, representing some of their favorite players, there’s nothing like it.”

3/16/2026 |  In baseball's most star-studded game, Team USA is carried by some under-the-radar names (CBS Sports) MIAMI -- When the USA roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic was revealed, the star power could just about knock you over. Aaron Judge! Cal Raleigh! Bobby Witt Jr., Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber! Oh, and the starting pitchers are Paul Skenes, Tarik Skubal and Logan Webb! Mason Miller will be closing things down!