Baseball is officially back, and there's an extra layer of excitement this spring. Pitchers and catchers have reported to Glendale, full squad workouts are just around the corner, and yes - the World Baseball Classic is returning to the stage. That means March is about to turn into a global celebration of the game, with national pride, international rivalries, and unforgettable moments on deck.
Samurai Japan is chasing history, looking to capture its fourth WBC title since 2006. And if you need a refresher on just how intense this tournament can get, think back to the last championship game - Shohei Ohtani versus Mike Trout, one-on-one, with everything on the line.
Ohtani struck him out in a moment that felt more cinematic than real. Now, Team USA is back in the mix, hungry to reclaim the crown it won in 2017, and this time, it’s not just the bats that are booming - the pitching staff finally has the firepower to match.
For White Sox fans, there’s even more reason to tune in. Several players from the South Side will be suiting up for their home countries, giving fans a chance to see familiar faces in new colors. With representation spread across multiple WBC pools, Camelback Ranch is going to have a distinctly international vibe even before the Cactus League games get going.
The WBC runs from March 5-17, with pool play taking place in cities like Houston, Tokyo, and Miami before the tournament culminates at loanDepot Park in Miami. It’s a whirlwind stretch of baseball - and it’s going to be must-watch.
🗽 Team USA Pool Play Schedule
If you’re following Team USA’s path through the tournament, here’s what the opening round looks like. They’re in a five-team group, and the top two advance to the knockout stage. All of their pool games will be played at Daikin Park in Houston.
- Friday, March 6 🇺🇸 USA vs.
🇧🇷 Brazil
⏰ 8 p.m.
ET | 📺 FOX / FOX Deportes
- Saturday, March 7 🇺🇸 USA vs.
🇬🇧 Great Britain
⏰ 8 p.m.
ET | 📺 FOX
- Monday, March 9 🇺🇸 USA vs.
🇲🇽 Mexico
⏰ 8 p.m.
ET | 📺 FOX / FOX Deportes
- Tuesday, March 10 🇺🇸 USA vs.
🇮🇹 Italy
⏰ 9 p.m.
ET | 📺 FS1 / FOX Deportes
🏆 Knockout Round Outlook
If Team USA finishes first in their pool, they’ll play the Pool A runner-up on Friday, March 13 at 8 p.m. ET (FOX / FOX Deportes) in Houston.
If they finish second, they’ll face the Pool A winner on Saturday, March 14 at 3 p.m. ET (FS1 / FOX Deportes), also in Houston.
From there, the semifinals and championship shift to Miami:
- Semifinal (Scenario 1): Sunday, March 15 at 8 p.m. ET (FS1 / FOX Deportes)
- Semifinal (Scenario 2): Monday, March 16 at 8 p.m. ET (FS1 / FOX Deportes)
- Championship Game: Tuesday, March 17 at 8 p.m. ET (FOX / FOX Deportes)
🌍 More Than Just Team USA
The WBC isn’t just about one team - it’s a global showcase. From powerhouse squads like the Dominican Republic and Venezuela to up-and-coming programs in Europe and Asia, every pool has its own intrigue.
And if you're a White Sox fan, you'll want to keep an eye on how your guys are performing across the tournament. Their play on the world stage could shape roster battles back in Glendale.
So buckle up - camp is open, the world is watching, and meaningful baseball is finally back on the calendar. March is about to feel like October.