The Kansas City Royals have one of the best infields in the league, and among its most underrated pieces is first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino, who has quickly become a fan favorite in Kansas City thanks to his personality and presence.
As he prepares for his fifth season with the Royals since debuting in 2022, the 28‑year‑old left‑handed slugger is aiming to build on a breakout 2025 campaign.
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Last year marked a personal milestone, as he finally put durability and injury concerns behind him by playing a career‑high 160 games. He posted a .264 batting average, .323 on‑base percentage, .798 OPS, 32 home runs and 113 RBIs, solidifying himself as an offensive weapon.
Kansas City Royals designated hitter Vinnie Pasquantino (9) © Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Many of Pasquantino’s teammates have elected to participate in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, scheduled to take place in March just ahead of the 2026 MLB season.
Those teammates include superstar shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., who will suit up for Team USA, and All‑Star catcher Salvador Perez, who will captain Team Venezuela.
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On Wednesday, Pasquantino announced on Instagram that he too will join the international tournament, committing to play for Team Italy. “@pasquantino will be competing for Team Italy in the 2026 @wbcbaseball #Pasquatch,” the post read.
Royals players’ participation will not affect their availability for Opening Day, and the tournament will provide valuable experience against elite international competition, preparing them for the challenge of big‑league pitching in the months ahead.
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Although Pasquantino was born in the United States, his Italian heritage through his father makes him eligible to represent Team Italy in the WBC.
Drafted in the 11th round of the 2019 MLB Draft, he quickly outperformed his draft stock in the minor leagues with advanced plate discipline and steadily improving power, earning his promotion to Kansas City in 2022.
Pasquantino remains under team control for three more years and is scheduled to reach free agency in 2029, though the Royals may look to extend him before then, as they have with Witt and third baseman Maikel Garcia. His combination of personality, leadership and offensive production makes him a key piece for Kansas City’s future.
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Related: Royals’ Cole Ragans Announces Personal News Amid MLB Offseason
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 15, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source sports.yahoo.com ’
