The Boston Red Sox manager explains why he was in full support of his second-year outfielder leaving a key developmental camp to join Team USA for this year's WBC.
For as many people out there that say the World Baseball Classic (WBC) is a waste of time, there are just as many people that believe this is an invaluable experience for the players involved on so many levels.
From fulfilling childhood dreams of playing for home countries to learning from the elite international talent players will be sharing the clubhouse with, there’s clearly an intangible benefit to leaving spring training to take part in this once-every-three-years tournament.
Sure, there’s injury risk. And maybe there’s a chance these games eat into the development of players as they get ready for the 2026 season. But ultimately, partaking in the WBC feels like a net-positive for most players involved.
Heck, just ask any of the NHLers who took part in the Olympics, or many from that same group that took part in Four Nations just a year prior. These types of tournaments are special, and that type of experience can’t be garnered anywhere else.
Count Red Sox manager Alex Cora as one of the members of the baseball world that agrees with this sentiment.
Here’s what he said when asked on Foul Territory about what went through his head when the opportunity for second-year outfielder Roman Anthony was presented to him just days before the tournament was set to begin:
Alex Cora: “Yeah, we had the conversation, and I was a full ‘yes, go,’ when [Team USA manager Mark] DeRosa called me. Being around [Aaron] Judge and Kyle Schwarber is going to be very important. That - I told him, ‘We have a relationship with Alex [Bregman], I get it. You know, he's our guy. We played with him, and we're going to hang out with Breggy. But talk to Judge. Talk to Schwarber about facing lefties.’ It’s going to be huge.
“He's having a great tournament. You see the poise, man. The at bats - even in that Italy game, right? It seems like people were anxious in their at bats, and all that. He was calm, and that's who he is. And I think this whole experience in the exhibition tournament is going to be -
AJ Pierzynski: “It's only an exhibition if USA loses, by the way, just so you know. Like, when Puerto Rico loses, you'll say it's an exhibition. Doesn’t mean as much.”
Alex Cora: “It means a lot. But you know what I'm saying? Like, for him - it's probably the only opportunity for him to play with Judge. He will always play against Judge. It's an opportunity for him to play with Kyle [Schwarber]. Kyle just signed a big contract with the Phillies, they're not going to play together. So having that time with them, and [talking] about baseball and hitting, and you know, the other aspects of the game, is going to be great for him and for us too.”
Mar 9, 2026; Houston, TX, United States; United States designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) celebrates with outfielder Roman Anthony (3) after defeating Mexico at Daikin Park. (Troy Taormina/Imagn Images)JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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Tom Carroll is a contributor for Roundtable, with boots-on-the-ground coverage of all things Boston sports. He's a senior digital content producer for WEEI.com, and a native of Lincoln, RI.