In the heart of Arizona, the Royals are riding high, and they’ve got plenty of reasons to celebrate, regardless of the World Baseball Classic's outcome. With players making waves on all four semifinal rosters, Kansas City stands proudly alongside the Brewers, Mariners, Mets, and Phillies. Even the Red Sox had their share of representation, though Brayan Bello's return to Boston left the Dominican Republic without a current Red Sox player.
John Schreiber summed up the excitement best, reflecting on the Royals’ standout performances in the WBC. “It feels like all the highlights are from guys from the Royals,” he shared. It’s a sentiment that resonates through the organization, fueling optimism for the upcoming season.
Vinnie Pasquantino’s three-homer spectacle for Italy and Maikel Garcia’s clutch homer for Venezuela are just the beginning. Bobby Witt Jr. showcased his Platinum Glove skills for Team USA, earning a nod from Patrick Mahomes himself. Meanwhile, Carlos Estévez’s perfect inning for the Dominican Republic highlights the Royals' impact on the international stage.
Michael Wacha, who contributed three innings for Team USA, is back with the Royals, energized by the WBC's electric atmosphere. “It’s been a lot of fun watching our guys go out there and have big games,” Wacha said. This experience is building confidence and setting the stage for the regular season.
Manager Matt Quatraro is keen on the competitive edge the WBC brings. “The competition aspect is so intense that you want [the players] to bring that back,” he noted. It’s about channeling that energy and focus into the long grind of the MLB season.
Starling Marte, a veteran of the 2017 Classic, likened the experience to a World Series atmosphere, underscoring the intensity and excitement these games bring. It’s a taste of postseason pressure that could prove invaluable down the stretch.
Quatraro is eager to see how his players translate these high-stakes moments into regular-season success. “They have to be nervous or excited in these moments,” he said. It’s about learning to harness those emotions and thrive under pressure.
As the Royals return to Surprise, the bragging rights are sure to follow. Matt Strahm, back with the Royals after stints with the Padres and Phillies, is thrilled to see his teammates shine on the international stage.
“It's playoff baseball in March,” Strahm said. “For them to get to experience that, it’s as valuable as anything.”
With eyes on October, the Royals are poised to make Kansas City a baseball powerhouse once more. The city’s ready to rally, and if the WBC is any indication, there’s plenty to cheer for this season.