A Dominican Republic title defense is the odds-on favorite result for the World Baseball Classic in March.
According to updated odds by Westgate Las Vegas Sportsbook, the Dominican nation is ranked slight favorites ahead of the United States and Japan for the international tournament in 2017. Rounding out the table are baseball minnows Australia, Colombia, Israel, and China, who are billed at 100/1 to emerge as champions:
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Dominican Republic | 5/2 |
| USA | 3/1 |
| Japan | 3/1 |
| Puerto Rico | 10/1 |
| South Korea | 12/1 |
| Venezuela | 15/1 |
| Cuba | 18/1 |
| Netherlands | 25/1 |
| Canada | 25/1 |
| Mexico | 25/1 |
| Italy | 60/1 |
| Chinese Taipei | 80/1 |
| Australia | 100/1 |
| Colombia | 100/1 |
| Israel | 100/1 |
| China | 100/1 |
- Odds current as of Dec. 19
On paper, the Dominicans will field one of the strongest teams of the tournament. Baltimore Orioles infielder Manny Machado will be joined by Texas Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre, Seattle Mariners power-hitting pair Nelson Cruz and Robinson Cano, as well as free-agent slugger Edwin Encarnacion in the lineup, while New York Yankees reliever Dellin Betances has already committed to pitching for the team.
The Dominicans won the previous edition of the tournament in 2013, beating out Puerto Rico 3-0 in the final.
