Spring Training Highlights: Royals Gear Up for World Baseball Classic
In Surprise, Arizona, the Royals are ramping up their preparations with a unique twist this year. The World Baseball Classic has players like Bobby Witt Jr., Salvador Perez, and Vinnie Pasquantino juggling their spring schedules as they get ready to represent Team USA, Team Venezuela, and Team Italy, respectively. This weekend, the trio was back in action, with Pasquantino holding down first base and Witt and Perez taking turns as designated hitters.
Pasquantino joked about his role, saying, “I’m the only position player tough enough to play first two days in a row. All these guys need to DH.”
His humor aside, Pasquantino is focused on improving his early-season performance, aiming to avoid last year's slow start when he hit just .177/.242/.347 in March and April. Despite the rough beginning, he rebounded to finish the 2025 season strong, posting a .264/.323/.475 line with 32 home runs and 113 RBIs.
Reflecting on his early struggles, Pasquantino noted, “It’s not about getting hits or results but more about what it looks like. I need to clean up the decision-making earlier in the year.” To get a jump on things, he arrived in Arizona early, eager to see as many live pitches as possible.
Familiar Faces and New Beginnings
Saturday also saw the return of a familiar face in the Royals' clubhouse. Freddy Fermin, now with the Padres, dropped by to greet his former teammates.
Sporting his new brown and yellow gear, Fermin was teased about his new look but received a warm welcome, especially from Salvador Perez. Fermin is expected to take on a more prominent role as the Padres’ everyday catcher, a chance he didn’t have in Kansas City.
Pitching Prospects on Display
The Royals’ pitching depth is being tested early in the Cactus League, with Stephen Kolek, Ryan Bergert, and Bailey Falter showcasing their skills. Bergert, in particular, impressed with a scoreless inning, throwing 12 pitches and hitting 95.6 mph on his fastball. After dealing with a forearm strain last season, Bergert is healthy and working on refining his slider and adding a curveball to his repertoire.
As Spring Training unfolds, the Royals are focused on building momentum and fine-tuning their game, with an eye on both the upcoming season and the excitement of the World Baseball Classic.