Team Italy and Vinnie Pasquantino were on a roll in the 2026 World Baseball Classic before their semifinal heartbreak against Venezuela. The team reached the semifinal on the back of five straight wins, including beating contenders Team USA 8-6 in the pool stage.
Meanwhile, Pasquantino himself led the charge from the front, even hitting three home runs in a single game against Mexico. He’s the first player to ever do so in WBC history.
Following their semifinal clash, Pasquantino pointed out one issue while playing their games in Miami. During a dugout interview, he called out the dry cleaners in the city.
“We’ve been wearing the same suits since we’ve started this tournament, and I don’t know how many guys have been able to get them dry cleaned, so we might look good, but I bet we smell disgusting,” Pasquantino said.
Before the 2026 season, Pasquantino signed a two-year, $11.1 million contract following his strong season last year, when he hit 32 homers and 113 RBI. He will take up first base duties for the Kansas City Royals in 2026.
Vinnie Pasquantino Excited About Royals Performances in WBC
Several Royals stars performed exceedingly well in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. This has Vinnie Pasquantino excited when talking about the 2026 MLB season.
“I hope a lot,” he said. “Just got to bring some of the same energy. You can’t bring it all just because it’s not the same, but I think you do what you can to let that atmosphere kind of carry over into these games. It changes now, just with the beginning of the marathon, instead of, you get put into that environment quick. So, hopefully a lot.”
Alongside Pasquantino, fellow Italian slugger Jac Caglianone played a major hand in taking Italy to the semifinals, hitting .364 with a 1.290 OPS. WBC MVP Maikel Garcia hit .385/.393/.577 as his clutch hits against Japan and Italy were pivotal moments in taking Team Venezuela into the finals.
Bobby Witt Jr., playing for Team USA, has also posted a great batting line, hitting around .455 OBP in the tournament. His speed and elite defense are something the Royals can count on blindly. Moreover, Team Venezuela’s Salvador Perez anchored the team behind the plate with his elite game-calling and leadership.
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