2021 World Baseball Classic Set to Be Cancelled

Marcus Stroman #6 of team United States is awarded with the MVP trophy after their 8-0 win over team Puerto Rico in the 2017 World Baseball Classic. Photo by Harry How/Getty Images

In yet another blow to the world of sports thanks to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, news leaked on Monday that the 2021 World Baseball Classic is set to be canceled.

This spring tradition, which normally takes place every four years in March as a lead-in to the Major League Baseball season, is going to be canceled next year due to the circumstances of this season and the preparations for next season.

MLB is set to go forward with an abbreviated regular season in 2020 which will hamper preparation plans and players’ normal routines for the 2021 season, which led to the decision about the 2021 World Baseball Classic.

Normally, players are forced to skip part of Spring Training in order to participate in the WBC, a step which they clearly will not feel inclined towards taking next spring.

The uncertainly revolving around sites for games and the possibility of crowds at games next March also factored into the decision.

The last edition of the WBC, held in 2017, saw the United States defeat Puerto Rico for the title.

It’s still unknown when the competition’s next tournament will take place, although tentative plans have it penciled in for 2023.

Harley loves music and tries to go to a music festival every summer. When he's not listening to music, he writes about movies, food and wine, art, and sport.