Why Logan Webb and other SF Giants participating in WBC is actually a good thing

With the news that SF Giants ace Logan Webb and other Giants players are set to represent their countries in the World Baseball Classic this March, it is easy to view it as a negative specifically as it pertains to Webb.

Who wants their ace upsetting their typical spring training routine by having to pitch intense, playoff-like innings that get your adrenaline going well before October? That is why Buster Posey and the Giants’ upper brass clearly were not all that thrilled with Webb choosing to participate.

SF Giants will actually benefit from players participating in World Baseball Classic

Of all the pitchers to actually participate though, Webb is probably the least likely to be negatively affected. He has been one of the most consistent, reliable work horse pitchers in the majors since 2022 so if anyone can overcome whatever difficulties come with pitching in the WBC, Webb seems to be the likeliest candidate.

Beyond that though, Webb and the others, which may include Jung Hoo Lee representing South Korea and Heliot Ramos representing Puerto Rico, may actually benefit from taking part in this event if for nothing else they can get a taste of what a playoff atmosphere could be like.

Because the WBC only comes along every couple of years and pits countries against one another, it may be the closest thing to playoff baseball that major league players get to experience. That classic duel between Team USA and Team Japan in the championship last time had the feel of a World Series and Giants players could use a taste of that sort of energy.

It bears mentioning that the Giants have not made it to the playoffs since 2021. The only player still on the roster from that team is Webb so he is the only Giant on the team who knows what it is like to play playoff baseball at Oracle Park and even for him it has been a while so he could use another taste of that atmosphere as well.

Sure, some other players on the Giants have experienced the playoffs on other teams. But for younger guys like Lee and Ramos they have yet to feel what it is like to play in the MLB playoffs. 

By exposing them to that sort of environment perhaps they will have a little extra motivation heading into the 2026 season to finally get San Francisco back to playing baseball in October.

The Giants will certainly have their work cut out for them to get back to the playoffs. Playing in the same division as the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres makes third place in the NL West seem like something of an accomplishment, but this team is capable of more.

Webb is a leader on the team so he may come into the 2026 season with a little more desire to get the Giants back where they belong which is playing postseason baseball after competing in the WBC.