Who won the 2017 World Baseball Classic? The United States marched through the tournament and stood face-to-face with Puerto Rico with the championship on the line. They were on the verge of their first ever WBC title and gave the ball to Marcus Stroman, who was playing for the Toronto Blue Jays at the time.
Stroman casually dominated the 2017 Puerto Rico WBC lineup. He carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning, which was more than enough to secure victory. Stroman's heroics helped his team win the 2017 World Baseball Classic.
Stroman was part of an elite staff of starting pitchers that recorded a 1.25 ERA throughout the entire tournament and gave up zero home runs to opposing hitters.
Stroman was in control from start to finish and the United States offense blasted Puerto Rico's pitching for eight runs in the deciding victory.
After the United States extended their lead, the only question was whether or not Marcus Stroman could do the unthinkable and no-hit a team in the WBC final.
Unfortunately, his historic bid finished in the seventh, as Angel Pagan doubled to open the innings. Still, six no-hit innings and a shutout victory in the clincher was an all-time performance.
Who won 2017 World Baseball Classic: Can Team USA repeat as champions?
The United States is the reigning champion, being the team who won the 2017 World Baseball Classic the last time the tournament was held. This year, they feature a stacked roster with stars like:
- Mike Trout
- Nolan Arenado
- Paul Goldschmidt
- Kyle Tucker
- JT Realmuto
- Ryan Pressly
- Jeff McNeil
- Pete Alonso
- Mookie Betts
However, they face steep competition in Japan (led by Shohei Ohtani) and the Dominican Republic, which has arguably the deepest roster in this tournament.
As a result, the United States is not currently favored to repeat as champions. Instead, the Dominican Republic is +200 to win, while the USA is +280. Japan lingers just behind them at +300.
It will be a tall task to repeat as champions as they have a few tough countries to go through to win the 2023 WBC.