Dodgers' Mookie Betts to Play for Team USA in 2023 World Baseball Classic

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts will represent the United States in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, MLB announced Thursday.

Betts will be among the most prominent players on the United States roster as they attempt to defend their championship from 2017. The 2021 World Baseball Classic was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

WBC rosters have tended to be a mix of middle-of-the-road big leaguers, some minor league talent and then a few major stars to sell the show. Mike Trout was named the captain of the U.S. team last month.

Adding Betts to the roster will give the U.S. arguably the world's best outfield as it looks to assemble the second repeat champion in WBC history. Japan won the 2006 and 2009 events.

Launched in 2006, the World Baseball Classic came in response to the Olympics dropping baseball after the 2008 Games. Baseball returned to the Summer Games in Tokyo in 2021.