John Smoltz Calls for Enhancements to World Baseball Classic

Former Hall of Fame pitcher John Smoltz recently shared his thoughts on how to improve the World Baseball Classic. During an episode of “The Dan Patrick Show,” he was asked about ways to enhance the competitiveness of international baseball tournaments.

Smoltz suggested that taking a week off in the middle of the MLB season might provide a better opportunity for showcasing international talent. “I believe you’d get more bang for your buck by having a break,” he remarked, emphasizing that this would allow players to compete in mid-season form without restrictions. He envisions thrilling matchups where top athletes face off without the risk of pitcher fatigue.

This year’s World Baseball Classic, with Venezuela’s nail-biting win over Team USA, has been hailed a significant success and is predicted to shatter viewership records. Even though Smoltz recognizes a mid-season tournament may be unlikely, he referenced the NHL’s 2025 Quad-Nation Tournament as a successful alternative to their All-Star Game.

Smoltz expressed his enthusiasm: “This tournament achieved that goal. It changes perceptions of baseball in countries like Italy, showing that talent from various places is indeed rising.” He acknowledges that while the timing of the event isn’t ideal, it effectively boosts the sport’s profile in regions overshadowed by more popular games.

He even brought up his idea with MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, who hasn’t outright dismissed the idea of replacing the All-Star Game with a World vs. America format. Smoltz suggested that a week-long pause could open doors for promotional opportunities, allowing the MLB to put its own stamp on that time.

However, holding a major event mid-season presents its own set of challenges. Smoltz pointed out Team USA’s manager Mark DeRosa faces the difficult task of balancing player availability with the expectations of their MLB teams. This issue, he believes, would persist even during a tournament held at that time.