Ranking WBC underdogs. Plus: How to make WBC a can't-miss event

Jayson Stark wonders: What if the World Baseball Classic didn't have to be played in March?

Mar. 13, 2026 at 2:38pm

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The Windup Newsletter covers the upcoming World Baseball Classic, including a ranking of the underdog teams and a proposal from Jayson Stark to move the later rounds of the tournament to coincide with the MLB All-Star Game in July to create a "Baseball Week in America." The newsletter also includes updates on some recent MLB free agent signings and a look at a record-breaking Aaron Judge rookie card sale.

Why it matters

The World Baseball Classic is a unique international baseball tournament that features the best players from around the world competing for their home countries. By ranking the underdog teams and proposing a schedule change, the newsletter provides insights and ideas to help make the WBC a must-watch event for baseball fans.

The details

The article breaks down the five underdog teams in the WBC - Canada, Italy, Puerto Rico, Korea, and Venezuela - and ranks their chances of pulling off an upset. It also details Jayson Stark's proposal to move the later rounds of the WBC to coincide with MLB's All-Star Week in July, creating a "Baseball Week in America" with the WBC Elite Eight, Final Four, and championship game taking place alongside the MLB Draft, Futures Game, Home Run Derby, and All-Star Game. The newsletter also covers some recent MLB free agent signings and a record-breaking Aaron Judge rookie card sale.

  • Pool play for the WBC takes place in the first half of March.
  • The proposed "Baseball Week in America" with the WBC later rounds would take place in July, coinciding with the MLB All-Star Game.

The players

Tarik Skubal

A two-time Cy Young Award winner, ace of the Detroit Tigers, and impending free agent who is scheduled to start on Opening Day.

Aaron Judge

A New York Yankees outfielder whose rookie card recently sold for a record $5.2 million, tying for the seventh-highest sports card sale of all time.

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What they’re saying

“I think what needs to change is the timing of the tournament, because it's tough on all the starters — not just myself included.”

— Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers pitcher

“Brilliant. That's the best idea I've heard all year.”

— An official of one WBC team

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.