Kyle Tucker commits to Team USA for 2023 World Baseball Classic

HOUSTON -- Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker, a first-time All-Star this year, has committed to play in the 2023 World Baseball Classic for Team USA. Tucker said representing his country is a huge honor.

“It should be a lot of fun,” he said on Saturday. “I don’t think they have the full roster done yet. So far, we have a lot of really good players and are looking pretty good right now. It should be a lot of fun.”

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Team USA’s outfield is stacked. Former MVPs Mike Trout, Bryce Harper and Mookie Betts have committed to play, along with Tucker and Cedric Mullins. Through Friday, Tucker had a slash line of .260/.338/.475 with 22 homers, 19 stolen bases and 82 RBIs as the Astros’ starting right fielder.

“Maybe I’ll start some games or come off the bench, pinch-hit,” he said. “I’ll play defense or pinch-run or whatever. I’m sure I’ll get some playing time at some point.”

Team USA will be led by manager Mark DeRosa, bench coach Jerry Manuel, pitching coach Andy Pettitte, hitting coach Ken Griffey Jr., first-base coach Lou Collier, third-base coach Dino Ebel and bullpen coach Dave Righetti.

The U.S. is looking to win its second World Baseball Classic title after capping the 2017 event with a dominant 8-0 victory over Puerto Rico in the championship game at Dodger Stadium.

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The fifth installment of the Classic will take place from March 8-21, 2023. Miami’s loanDepot park will host the semifinals and final of the tournament from March 19-21. The Astros’ Spring Training facility in West Palm Beach is about 70 miles north of Miami.

Team USA will begin its title defense as part of Pool C at Chase Field in Phoenix, from March 11-15, facing Canada, Colombia, Mexico, and a to-be-determined qualifying team. The Pool C winner and runner-up will advance to the quarterfinals in Miami from March 17-18, and match up against the winner and runner-up of Pool D.

“It doesn’t happen every year, but it’s pretty cool to be able to go and represent the U.S.,” Tucker said. “It should be a lot of fun seeing all the guys around from other teams going to play. Not just on our team, but on other teams.”

Earlier this month, Astros second baseman Jose Altuve said he will play for Venezuela, which will be managed by Astros first-base coach Omar López. Astros bench coach Joe Espada is a candidate to manage the Puerto Rico team.

Tournament rules limit the roster to 28 players, and they must include 13 pitchers and two catchers.