How To Bet On The World Baseball Classic At Massachusetts Sportsbooks

The popularity of the international tournament this spring stems from the emphasis on passion and team pride, making the World Baseball Classic a true embodiment of the sport’s potential.

On Tuesday, March 21, in Miami, the US team, who are the reigning WBC champions, will compete in the final against Japan.

Baseball enthusiasts in Massachusetts now have the opportunity to participate in online sports betting, as it has recently been launched in the Commonwealth.

World Baseball Classic betting in Massachusetts

On March 10, Massachusetts introduced online sports betting apps for its residents. When placing bets on the World Baseball Classic, you have the option to select from these six sportsbooks.

• DraftKings
• FanDuel
• BetMGM
• Caesars Sportsbook
• WynnBET
• Barstool Sportsbook

You can easily access these apps on both iPhone and Android devices. They are available for free download and registration.

Furthermore, there is an abundance of Massachusetts sports betting bonuses available on these platforms.

World Baseball Classic odds and betting tips

The World Baseball Classic (WBC) is held every three years; however, it did not occur in 2020 and is set to take place again in 2026. Teams that secured a top-four position in pool play will automatically qualify for the upcoming tournament. Additionally, there will be four at-large bids available in three years’ time.

Similar to the FIFA World Cup, the World Baseball Classic is a tournament consisting of multiple pools and rounds, aiming to determine the ultimate champion in the sport.

In the past few weeks, the World Baseball Classic progressed with intense quarterfinal and semifinal matches, following a single-elimination format. Each game, starting from the pool play, carried the same level of excitement and pressure as the decisive seventh game of the World Series.

You can now place your bets on a national team to win the WBC through futures odds. However, since we have reached the final stage, the odds have now transitioned to moneyline odds. Here are the current odds to win the WBC according to DraftKings Sportsbook Massachusetts:

• Japan -135
• US +115

Similar to the MLB regular season, popular betting options for WBC include moneyline, run line, and total (Over/Under) bets, as well as player props as additional wagering choices.

The final match of the WBC will take place in Miami on March 21st.

The World Baseball Classic is an exhilarating sporting event that brings a level of passion seldom witnessed in Major League Baseball. As the opening round pool play kicks off, we are beginning to witness the teams distinguishing themselves as either contenders or mere pretenders.

The WBC brings together baseball enthusiasts in Massachusetts, creating a unique blend of passion akin to a union between David Ortiz and Cristiano Ronaldo. This tournament infuses the spirit of the national pastime with the intensity of a World Cup, captivating fans who proudly display their flags and engage in musical celebrations to support their respective nations. Even the players, known for their stoicism on the field, exhibit rare and vibrant emotions throughout the games.

A Beginner’s Guide to Placing Bets on the World Baseball Classic at Massachusetts Sportsbooks

USA lineup presents challenge for finals opponent

Once again, Japan’s exhilarating victory in the ninth inning on Monday showcases the sheer excitement this tournament holds. With an unbeaten record in the 2023 WBC, Japan faces a formidable challenge ahead. Trea Turner, the No. 9 hitter in the US lineup, has impressively hit three home runs in the last two games. Furthermore, every position in the American team is filled with All-Stars, evident by their remarkable achievement of scoring 14 runs against Cuba on Sunday.

Merrill Kelly, a crucial player for Team USA, holds significant importance for their pursuit of the championship title in this international tournament. Manager Mark DeRosa has chosen Kelly to start the championship game, where the opportunity for a repeat victory is at stake. Japan is the sole country to have achieved this feat, emerging victorious in 2006 and 2009. Kelly’s performance in the initial three or four innings will determine Team USA’s destiny in this high-stakes encounter.

During Kelly’s sole start in the WBC, the right-handed pitcher from the Diamondbacks conceded four hits, two walks, and two runs within a three-inning span against Colombia. Since the 34-year-old Kelly has never participated in the MLB playoffs throughout his career, the WBC final will undoubtedly be the most significant game he has ever played professionally.

Perhaps the outcome of the game will not be determined by pitching, as Turner is currently displaying remarkable hitting skills reminiscent of Hank Aaron. In the semifinal match against Cuba on Sunday, the Phillies shortstop managed to hit two home runs. This impressive performance followed his grand slam from the previous day, which completely altered the scoreboard in the quarterfinals against Venezuela. Another player, Paul Goldschmidt, also contributed with a home run for Team USA in the semifinals, joining three other players who achieved multiple hits.

With Masataka Yoshida (leading with 13 RBI) and Shugo Maki (scoring two homers) at the forefront, Japan exhibits a formidable lineup. Additionally, Shohei Ohtani showcases his prowess, boasting a batting average of .450 in the tournament with four doubles, a homer, and eight RBI. Notably, he has been walked nine times. Surprisingly, Ohtani might even contribute as a pitcher in the WBC final, although sources suggest he would serve from the bullpen.

Notable Red Sox players in the World Baseball Classic

Once the MLB regular season kicks off, there will be a significant surge in betting on the Red Sox in Massachusetts.

Although Boston fans will have to wait a little longer to witness their team in action at Fenway Park, they can catch a glimpse of some notable Red Sox players during the WBC.

Take a deeper dive into the Boston players who participated, or are still participating, in the WBC.

Kiké Hernández, Puerto Rico

In this tournament, Hernández’s outstanding performance must surely bring great encouragement to the Red Sox. He is an exceptional player with a multitude of strengths and no noticeable weaknesses. Not only can he adeptly play various positions, but he also possesses impressive speed, excels at running the bases, and exhibits excellent hitting and power. Furthermore, he is an exceptional fielder, adding to his overall brilliance on the field.

Masataka Yoshida, Japan

Yoshida may be unfamiliar to Boston fans at the moment, but his name will soon become well-known. The talented former Japan league player has recently inked a lucrative contract exceeding $100 million, securing his spot in Fenway Park. Red Sox enthusiasts can look forward to witnessing his skills in the outfield during the upcoming season.

Yoshida has been impressive in the WBC, accumulating a total of 13 RBI, with an outstanding performance of five in a single game. Despite his remarkable achievements, it is undeniable that Shohei Ohtani’s brilliance has overshadowed Yoshida, preventing him from being the clear MVP of the pool play. However, in the semifinal game on Monday, Yoshida made a significant impact by hitting a three-run homer that ultimately tied the game.

Alex Verdugo, Mexico

Mexico achieved a long-awaited triumph against the United States in the WBC, which propelled them to the semifinals. During that match, Verdugo delivered a powerful RBI double, although Mexico ultimately suffered a defeat against Japan.

Mookie Betts, United States

Red Sox fans continue to feel pain when they witness Betts wearing a different team’s uniform. However, there is some solace in knowing that this time, the former Boston MVP dons the red-white-and-blue. Though he hasn’t found his rhythm this spring, his overall skills are crucial for the Americans as they aim to defend their WBC championship.

Xander Bogaerts (Netherlands), Rafael Devers (Dominican Republic), Jorge Alfaro (Colombia), and Yu Chang (Taiwan) were among the players recognized by Massachusetts baseball enthusiasts who represented their respective national teams during the 2023 WBC.

Which online sportsbook in Massachusetts will be launched next?

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