Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Mookie Betts has made the dramatic decision to withdraw from next year's World Baseball Classic, citing a stark ultimatum from his wife concerning the birth of their third child.
The Family Ultimatum That Changed Everything
During a candid livestream appearance with Adin Ross this week, the 33-year-old outfielder was asked about representing Team USA at the prestigious international tournament in March. Betts gave a surprising initial response, stating simply, 'I can't now.' He soon elaborated, explaining that his wife, Brianna, is expecting their baby in the middle of the tournament window.
The reason for his withdrawal, however, was far more definitive than a simple scheduling conflict. Betts revealed the brutal choice presented to him. 'She said she would divorce me if I wasn't there for the kid,' he confessed. The player, a childhood sweetheart of Brianna whom he married in 2021, accepted the terms. 'Dad first, it is what it is,' he concluded.
Timing Clash Forces a Painful Choice
The scheduling dilemma is acute. Betts and his wife, who already share two children named Kynlee and Kaj, are due to welcome their new baby in March 2025. Team USA's WBC campaign is set to begin in Houston at the start of that same month.
Should the American team progress as expected, the critical semi-final and final stages would be held in Miami in the middle of the month – directly coinciding with the baby's due date. Betts previously played for the USA in the 2023 tournament, helping the squad reach the final where they lost to Japan.
Team USA's Lineup and the Dodgers' International Contingent
While Betts will be absent, Team USA is still assembling a formidable roster. Major stars like Aaron Judge, Paul Skenes, Bobby Witt Jr, and Corbin Carroll have all pledged their allegiance for the tournament, which concludes just before Major League Baseball's Opening Day.
The event will still feature a strong Dodgers presence, with two-way phenomenon Shohei Ohtani confirmed to suit up for Japan once again. It remains unclear whether his Dodgers teammates, pitchers Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki, will join the Japanese national team.
Betts's withdrawal underscores the intense personal sacrifices often required of elite athletes, prioritising family commitments at the peak of their careers. His decision ensures he will be present for a pivotal family moment, albeit at the cost of representing his country on one of baseball's grandest international stages.
