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Marcus Stroman, the star pitcher of the Chicago Cubs in the MLB, is representing Puerto Rico in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. He played for the United States in the previous edition of the tournament in 2017 where they won the title and Stroman was named the MVP as well. He was one of the stars of the tournament and played a crucial role in Team USA's journey to the title.
The rules regarding player eligibility for a country are pretty relaxed in the World Baseball Classic, which allows players to change the country they represent in certain situations. Marcus Stroman was born in Medford, New York, but his mother is from Puerto Rico, which makes him eligible to play for them. When Stroman agreed to play for Team USA in the 2017 WBC, there was considerable criticism aimed at him from Puerto Rican fans.
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After announcing his intention to play for Puerto Rico in the 2023 WBC, Stroman explained that his decision to change his allegiance was to honor his mother and her heritage. He expressed how much his mother meant to him and his desire to make her proud. He also mentioned the appeal of playing alongside the talent that the Puerto Rico team possesses in the form of Javier Baez and Francisco Lindor.
Marcus Stroman eyes World Baseball Classic glory with Puerto Rico
The irony was at its finest when Marcus Stroman lined up for Team USA in the WBC final against Team Puerto Rico in 2017. There was already considerable unhappiness among Puerto Rican fans to see Stroman in USA colors, but then he went on to extinguish their title hopes. That seems to be even more reason for him to be extra motivated to win the WBC with Puerto Rico.
Marcus Stroman's decision to play for Puerto Rico in the 2023 World Baseball Classic may come as a surprise to some MLB fans, but it is ultimately a personal decision that the Chicago Cubs star made based on his heritage, his connection to the Puerto Rican baseball community, and his desire to represent a different country on the international stage. Whatever his reasons may be, there is no doubt that Stroman will bring his trademark passion and energy to the Puerto Rican team and help them compete for a championship.
