Why is Joc Pederson playing for Israel in the World Baseball Classic? Giants OF headlines MLB players on roster
Israel will be represented at the second consecutive World Baseball Classic.
The team’s 2023 roster includes several MLB players, but none has more notoriety than Giants outfielder Joc Pederson. Pederson, who was born in Palo Alto, California, did not play for Israel when they finished sixth at the 2017 WBC.
MORE: Why Ian Kinsler will manage Israel in 2023 WBC
Pederson is Jewish on his mother’s side, meaning he is eligible to play for Israel. He played for the national team during qualifiers for the 2013 WBC. The team did not make the tournament.
Why is Joc Pederson eligible to play for Israel at WBC 2023?
Since Pederson’s mother is Jewish and Pederson is therefore Jewish by birth, he is eligible for Israeli citizenship. Players who are eligible for Israeli citizenship are also eligible to represent Israel in the World Baseball Classic.
MORE: Israel World Baseball Classic roster
Israel coach Ian Kinsler confirmed last July that Pederson would be included in the squad. Pederson played in his second All-Star game last season and his first since 2015. He was also instrumental in the Braves’ 2021 World Series title.
Joc Pederson 2022 MLB Stats
Pederson brings a strong hitter to the Israeli lineup.
Last year he hit .274/.353/.521 (144 OPS+) with 23 home runs. He set career highs in batting average, basis percentage and OPS+.
Pederson returned to San Francisco during the offseason after agreeing to a qualifying offer.
Other notable players on the Israeli list
Joining Pederson on the roster will be a former Giants outfielder: Alex Dickerson, who had a solid 2021 for San Francisco.
MORE: World Baseball Classic 2023 schedule: Dates, times, channels for each game
Orioles pitcher Dean Kremer is also on the team. Braves ace Max Fried will not field for Israel despite being eligible. He said last July that the timing of the WBC would make it difficult for him to attend.
“It was definitely a thought,” Fried said of playing in the WBC, per Archy Sport. “But I haven’t really thought about it that much. I feel like it’s a bit difficult because of the time because it’s pre-season.”
Apparently, Fried wanted to prioritize his start to the season.
Israel World Baseball Classic schedule
Israel will have its work cut out by 2023. It is located in Pool D in Miami next to the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Nicaragua and Venezuela.
| Date | Opponent | time (ET) | TV |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 12th | Nicaragua | Midday | FS2 |
| March 13th | Puerto Rico | 19 o’clock | FS1 |
| the 14th of March | Dominican Republic | 19 o’clock | FS2 |
| March, 15 | Venezuela | Midday | FS2 |