Former New York Mets catcher Mike Piazza will coach Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic in 2023. Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Piazza to coach Team Italy when WBC returns in 2023

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 3/23/22

Hall of Fame catcher Mike Piazza is putting his coaching hat on next year, confirming earlier this week that he will coach Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic in 2023.

"I was always a big fan of the Classic," Piazza told Newsday earlier in the week. "I talked to a lot of guys who are interested. We want everyone healthy, nobody to get hurt, and want everyone to play well and enjoy international baseball, which I'm a fan of."

The former New York Met, who reportedly lives in Italy most of the year, already has Baltimore Orioles slugger Trey Mancini ready to play for the team. Piazza is also reportedly trying to recruit current Mets players Brandon Nimmo and Joey Lucchesi this week while he serves as a special instructor at spring training.

Mike Piazza said he's trying to recruit Brandon Nimmo and Joey Lucchesi for Team Italy, which he signed on to manage during next year's WBC.

(Piazza is in Mets camp for a few days as a guest instructor.)
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) March 22, 2022

The WBC, which was canceled in 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic, plans to expand from 16 teams to 20 in its next installment. Qualifying games for the last four spots are expected to take place later this year.

Rumors first popped up out of the Czech Republic that WBC Qualifiers would be coming later this year, and this would line up with that. Can’t wait to have the Classic back. https://t.co/9KAcStrqFv
— Tyler Maun (@TylerMaun) March 17, 2022

Team USA defeated Puerto Rico to win the 2017 WBC at Dodgers Stadium. The Dominican Republic won the tournament in 2013, and Japan won the previous two competitions held in 2006 and 2009.

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