The World Baseball Classic is one of the most anticipated international baseball tournaments that occurs every four years. Since the inaugural event in 2006, the World Baseball Classic has grown tremendously in popularity among fans around the globe. In MLB The Show 23, the World Baseball Classic is featured prominently with the addition of player cards representing the different national teams.
Some key things to know about the World Baseball Classic cards in MLB The Show 23:
Player nation cards are separate from their regular MLB team cards. This means players will have two different cards – one for their typical MLB team and another card exclusive to representing their home country in the WBC.
WBC cards have unique artwork that highlights each nation’s uniform and color scheme instead of an MLB team uniform. This makes the cards stand out visually from standard MLB roster cards.
Player attributes and overall ratings are elevated on WBC cards compared to their standard MLB cards to reflect elevated play for their countries. Players tend to go all-out with more passion when competing for national pride.
Due to the rarity and increased attributes, WBC cards have higher quicksell and sell now values on the community market compared to a player’s typical MLB card. This makes them very desirable for collectors.
When the tournament was played, SDS added in dynamic player performances and upgraded cards in real-time based on player stats from actual World Baseball Classic games. This added an authentic simulation layer tracking real WBC performances.
Ballplayer Editions of MLB The Show games reward players with a full team set of WBC cards for the nation related to their digital deluxe version, like Team USA for purchasing the Jackie Robinson Edition.
Some examples of top WBC cards in The Show 23:
Shohei Ohtani (Japan) – 98 OVR. As the best two-way player in MLB, Ohtani elevated his game for Japan in the WBC. His card has 99 contact and power with 90+ hitting and pitching attributes.
Ronald Acuña Jr. (Venezuela) – 97 OVR. Despite injuries hampering his 2021 season, Acuña still has incredible potential reflected on his Venezuela WBC card with 99 speed and elite five-tool abilities.
Juan Soto (Dominican Republic) – 96 OVR. At just 23 years old, Soto is already one of the best hitters in baseball. He translates that talent to his Dominican Republic card with rare diamond hitting ratings.
Mike Trout (USA) – 99 OVR. It’s no surprise the consensus best player in MLB earns a 99 overall rating when suiting up for Team USA. His WBC card has maxed out hitting and some of the best speed and fielding as well.
Other notable WBC cards include Jose Ramirez (Puerto Rico), Francisco Lindor (Puerto Rico), Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Dominican Republic), Giancarlo Stanton (USA), and many more. International stars like Shohei Ohtani and Ronald Acuña Jr.also receive elevated WBC cards reflecting how they play for their home countries.
Building a full World Baseball Classic roster is a fun challenge for Franchise or March to October modes. Scouting and drafting prospects from other nations adds authenticity. Exchanging players in Diamond Dynasty with other managers to complete WBC collections is also a rewarding experience for players.
The addition of World Baseball Classic player cards in MLB The Show 23 helps immerse fans in international baseball competition. It adds value for players who want to experience how some of the world’s best performers elevate their games when competing on the global stage for national pride. As the popularity of the WBC tournament grows, its integration within The Show helps MLB continue expanding its international reach and fanbase worldwide. Whether building WBC rosters from scratch or chasing after elite diamond versions of star sluggers, the World Baseball Classic cards are a thrilling new element in MLB The Show 23.
