Fastball

Los Angeles Dodgers Star Says World Baseball Classic Games Have More Energy Than World Series

Count Teoscar Hernandez as one of the big fans of the WBC, which is set to come back again in 2026.
Brady Farkas|
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez (37) hits a single against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Dodger Stadium on April 12.
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez (37) hits a single against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Dodger Stadium on April 12. | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

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Los Angeles Dodgers

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez made an interesting revelation recently, saying that the energy of the World Series does not compare to the energy of the World Baseball Classic.

He had the conversation with teammate Mookie Betts, saying that the games that the Dominican Republic played vs. Puerto Rico and Venezuela in 2023 were more energetic than any of the World Series games the Dodgers played in 2024.

While every player who plays wants to win a World Series, the World Baseball Classic is starting to gain some real status among players, with players valuing that title as well.

Betts represented Team USA at the World Baseball Classic in 2023, where the Americans were beaten in the final by Shohei Ohtani and Team Japan.

Rosters haven't been announced for the 2026 event yet, but both Betts and Hernandez would seem strong possibilities to make their respective rosters again. Hernandez, 32, is hitting .270 this season with six home runs and 22 RBIs. He's a 10-year veteran of the Houston Astros, Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners and Dodgers. A two-time All-Star, he hit .272 with 33 homers and 99 RBI last season as the Dodgers won the World Series over the Yankees in five games.

Betts, 32, is a 12-year veteran of the Boston Red Sox and Dodgers. He's won three World Series titles, an MVP Award and a batting title. He's also a six-time Gold Glover, a seven-time Silver Slugger winner and an eight-time All-Star.

The 2026 World Baseball Classic begins next March during spring training.

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Brady Farkas
BRADY FARKAS

Brady Farkas is a baseball writer for Fastball on Sports Illustrated/FanNation and the host of 'The Payoff Pitch' podcast which can be found on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Videos on baseball also posted to YouTube. Brady has spent nearly a decade in sports talk radio and is a graduate of Oswego State University. You can follow him on Twitter @WDEVRadioBrady. 

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