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The Pittsburgh Pirates have blocked Ji-Man Choi from playing in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, and the newly signed slugger is not happy about it. Choi has yet to even take an at-bat for the Pirates after being traded by the Tampa Bay Rays this offseason. He was set to play for Team Korea, representing his country in the upcoming international tournament.
This is a bad sign that the relationship between Choi and his new team is already strained. The Pirates made their decision based on Choi's health, but the player clearly disagrees with their assessment. There is over a month till the start of the WBC, which Choi likely feels is enough time to reach 100 percent.
Jeeho Yoo shared the comments from Ji-Man Choi on Twitter.
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The Pittsburgh Pirates are far from the only team preventing a player from playing in the tournament. The Atlanta Braves, New York Yankees and Seattle Mariners are all limiting players dealing with injuries. While it makes sense from the perspective of an MLB team, fans are still disappointed.
The World Baseball Classic is supposed to showcase talent on an international stage, where fans can see the best the game has to offer play for their countries and battle for the top prize. When players are blocked from participating by an uninvolved entity, it almost feels unfair.
The Pittsburgh Pirates are well within their rights to block Choi from playing, and some fans even support the move. The tournament is ultimately meaningless in regards to the upcoming MLB season, even if players are excited to participate. Perhaps the Pirates' choice doesn't wind up costing them in the long run with Ji-Man Choi.
The Pirates aren't taking any chances with the health of their new first baseman heading into the 2023 season.
What are the Pittsburgh Pirates' expectations for the upcoming season?
For the first time in a long time, Pirates fans are excited for next season. They have a burgeoning new star in Oneil Cruz and a returning hero in Andrew McCutchen. Even before looking at whether or not they can be playoff contenders, their roster will be a lot of fun to watch.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have a long way to go before being ready for the playoffs. However, they made some solid moves and could surprise the baseball world. Only time will tell how far this roster can go in 2023.
