As my colleague Mike Axisa has pointed out, Team USA is already cobbling together an impressive rotation for the 2017 World Baseball Classic, what with Max Scherzer and Chris Archer committed to play in the tournament. Now we learn that Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado is also on board:
#Rockies 3B Nolan Arenado announces he will play for Team USA in 2017 World Baseball Classic
— Thomas Harding (@harding_at_mlb) November 13, 2016
Consider that a big get for Team USA, as Arenado is a stellar defensive third baseman with plenty of power from the right side. Arenado, 25, over the last two seasons has put up an OPS+ of 126 with 83 home runs. He also has to his credit four Gold Gloves -- one for each season he's spent in the majors. As well, he's likely headed for a top five finish in the 2016 NL MVP balloting. We're far from having a complete picture of the 2017 WBC roster but nabbing a valuable young star like Arenado is a very positive sign.
The 2017 WBC will begin with pool play on March 9. The Championship Game will be played on March 22 at Dodger Stadium.
