Vinnie Pasquantino makes World Baseball Classic history

Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino broke out of his slump in historic fashion during the World Baseball Classic on Wednesday.

Pasquantino made certain that Team Italy advanced in the WBC, hitting three home runs in their 9-1 victory over Mexico. His performance marked the first-three homer game in WBC history.

He had entered Wednesday hitless in his 15 WBC plate appearances this year, drawing three walks while striking out twice. Pasquantino had struggled in his previous experience with Team Italy, and had four hits in 37 career WBC plate appearances.

Kansas City Royals need WBC power surge for Vinnie Pasquantino to carry over into regular season

Pasquantino had what could be considered a breakout season for the Royals in 2025. He posted a .264/.323/.475 batting line over 682 plate appearances, slugging a career high 32 homers and 33 doubles. He paired with catcher Salvador Perez to become the second set of Royals teammates to hit 30+ homers in a season (George Brett and Steve Balboni in 1985) and the first duo to have 30+ homers and 100+ RBI in the same season.

The Royals will need an encore from Pasquantino as they look to return to the postseason. While the lineup was once again a focus during the offseason, their biggest additions were outfielders Isaac Collins, Lane Thomas and Starling Marte. The onus will again fall on Pasquantino, Perez, shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and infielder Maikel Garcia to anchor the lineup.

Vinnie Pasquantino's three-homer game is a good sign that he can replicate his breakout showing in 2025. The Royals need that to be the case if they are going to contend for a playoff berth.