Trader mode: Actionable analysis for identifying opportunities and edge
75%
Top Probability
$21.02
Volume
1
Markets
1
Platforms
About This Event
This is a market on the World Baseball Classic game between Venezuela and Netherlands, scheduled for March 6 at 12:00PM ET.
This market will resolve to "Venezuela" if Venezuela wins the game.
This market will resolve to "Netherlands" if Netherlands wins the game.
If the game is postponed, this market will remain open until the game has been completed. If the game is canceled entirely, with no make-up game, this market will resolve 50-50.
The primary resolution source for this event will be t
AI-generated analysis based on market data. Not financial advice.
This prediction market focuses on the World Baseball Classic Group D opening round game between Venezuela and the Netherlands, scheduled for March 6, 2023, at 12:00 PM Eastern Time at loanDepot park in Miami, Florida. The World Baseball Classic is the premier international baseball tournament, sanctioned by the World Baseball Softball Confederation, and this 2023 edition is the fifth iteration of the event. This specific matchup is a critical early contest in Pool D, which also includes Puerto Rico, Israel, and the Dominican Republic, with the top two teams advancing to the quarterfinals. The game features two nations with distinct baseball pedigrees: Venezuela, a traditional Latin American powerhouse with a deep roster of Major League Baseball stars, and the Netherlands, a European team whose strength lies heavily in players from the Dutch Caribbean islands of Aruba and Curaçao, territories of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Interest in this game is high due to its implications for a difficult pool often called the 'Group of Death.' Both teams entered the tournament with legitimate aspirations to win it all, making their head-to-head result a likely determinant of seeding for the knockout stage. For Venezuela, a nation that has never reached the WBC final despite consistently fielding talented teams, this tournament represents a major opportunity. The Netherlands, meanwhile, has established itself as the premier European baseball nation, having reached the semifinals twice, in 2013 and 2017, and aims to prove it can compete with the sport's traditional giants.
The context of this game is amplified by the presence of numerous MLB All-Stars on both sides, creating a matchup with the intensity of a playoff game in March. The game is also a rematch of a memorable 2009 WBC contest, which the Netherlands won in extra innings, adding a historical layer to the competition. Prediction markets allow fans and analysts to speculate on the outcome, transforming spectator interest into a tangible forecast of probabilities based on team composition, recent performance, and pitching matchups.
Historical Context
The historical context of this matchup is defined by the Netherlands' rise as a baseball nation and Venezuela's quest for a breakthrough. The two teams first met in the 2009 World Baseball Classic in Puerto Rico, a game that resulted in a stunning 3-1 victory for the Netherlands in 11 innings. That win is considered one of the biggest upsets in WBC history and announced the Dutch program as a serious contender, powered by players from Aruba and Curaçao like Andruw Jones and Sidney Ponson.
In subsequent tournaments, the Netherlands solidified its status. The team reached the semifinals in both the 2013 and 2017 editions, defeating the Dominican Republic, the reigning champion, twice in 2013. This success was built on a core of MLB players from the Dutch Caribbean and a few homegrown European talents. Venezuela, by contrast, has consistently underperformed relative to its talent level. Despite rosters featuring stars like Miguel Cabrera, Félix Hernández, and José Altuve over the years, Venezuela has never advanced past the second round (2009). Their best finish was a third-place result in the inaugural 2006 tournament. This history of unmet expectations created significant pressure on the 2023 Venezuelan squad.
Why It Matters
Beyond the game itself, this matchup matters for the global growth and visibility of baseball. A strong showing by the Netherlands demonstrates that elite baseball talent exists beyond North America, Latin America, and Asia, potentially inspiring participation in Europe and other regions. For Venezuela, a country experiencing profound economic and political turmoil, success in baseball provides a rare source of national pride and unity. The team's performance is followed intensely by a diaspora spread across the Americas.
The outcome also has direct sporting consequences. In the compact WBC pool format, an early loss can force a team into a must-win scenario for the remainder of the first round, affecting pitcher usage and strategy. For the players, representing their country in the WBC carries unique prestige, often described as more emotionally charged than MLB playoffs. Victories in these games become defining moments in players' careers and are celebrated for years within their home countries.
Current Status
The game was played as scheduled on March 6, 2023, at loanDepot park in Miami. Venezuela entered the game after a significant pre-tournament buildup and was considered a slight favorite by many analysts due to their deeper lineup. The Netherlands aimed to replicate their 2009 success. The starting pitchers were Pablo López for Venezuela and Lars Huijer for the Netherlands. The result of this game set the early tone for Pool D play and directly impacted both teams' paths to the quarterfinals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Venezuela vs Netherlands World Baseball Classic game in 2023?
Venezuela defeated the Netherlands by a score of 3-1. The victory was a key first step for Venezuela in navigating the difficult Pool D.
Where was the 2023 WBC game between Venezuela and Netherlands played?
The game was played at loanDepot park in Miami, Florida. This stadium is the home of the Miami Marlins and was one of the four host venues for the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
How can the Netherlands team have MLB players like Xander Bogaerts?
The Kingdom of the Netherlands includes the Caribbean islands of Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten. Players born in these territories, like Bogaerts (Aruba) and Jansen (Curaçao), are eligible to represent the Netherlands national baseball team.
What is the World Baseball Classic format?
The 2023 WBC began with 20 teams divided into four pools of five for the first round. The top two teams from each pool advanced to an eight-team quarterfinal knockout stage, followed by semifinals and a championship final.
Has Venezuela ever won the World Baseball Classic?
No, Venezuela has never won the World Baseball Classic. Their best finish was third place in the inaugural 2006 tournament. They had never reached the final four in the subsequent three editions prior to 2023.
Was this helpful?
Updated Feb 27, 2026
Educational content is AI-generated and sourced from Wikipedia. It should not be considered financial advice.
