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11 Chicago Cubs' Players Will Be Playing in the World Baseball Classic
Infielders
There will be four Cubs' infielders playing in the WBC. The first is Nick Madrigal. Madrigal will be representing Mexico. Madrigal is someone Cubs fans had high hopes for when he was acquired via trade. However, he has not panned out the way Chicago has wanted him to. With the signing of Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner sliding over to second base, Madrigal is without a true position on the big league roster. Playing for Mexico in the WBC, Madrigal has a chance to prove his worth and be more than just a platoon player.
Miles Mastrobuoni will be playing for Italy in the WBC. Mastrobuoni was acquired by trade this off-season from the Tampa Bay Rays. The 27-year-old has only played eight games in the majors, but he performed well in AAA last year for the Rays affiliate. In 129 games, Mastrobuoni hit .300 with 16 homeruns and 64 RBI. He is on the 40-man, so he does have a chance to make the Cubs' opening-day roster this year. The coaching staff will be keeping an eye on his performance for Italy in the WBC.
Esteban Quiroz will be joining teammates Nick Madrigal and Javier Assad on team Mexico in the WBC. Quiroz was acquired by the Cubs in a trade during the 2022 season. Quiroz played for Mexico in the 2017 WBC where he was one of the top hitters throughout pool play. He made his major league debut during the 2022 season, and he performed okay. In 14 games, Quiroz did not register an extra-base hit. He is joining Madrigal, so it could be a good chance for them to bond and build a better relationship.
The last player is one the Cubs and Cubs fans have been most excited about. Matt Mervis will be playing for Israel in the WBC. Mervis has had a lot of hype around him this off-season and is currently the Cubs' 21st-ranked prospect. Many fans would love to see him at Wrigley on opening day. However, earlier this off-season I explain that although Mervis had incredible numbers and the Cubs needed a first baseman with some power, he just is not ready for the big leagues yet. Watching Matt Mervis face some big league pitching not only in spring training but in the WBC as well could be signs for what is to come.