{"id":633741,"date":"2026-03-05T10:24:37","date_gmt":"2026-03-05T10:24:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/633741\/"},"modified":"2026-03-05T10:24:37","modified_gmt":"2026-03-05T10:24:37","slug":"what-are-yankees-expectations-possibilities-as-the-wbc-begins","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/633741\/","title":{"rendered":"What are Yankees’ expectations, possibilities as the WBC begins?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Before leaving for his third World Baseball Classic, Paul Goldschmidt offered a simple, personal reason for participating.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s maybe the most fun I\u2019ve ever had playing baseball.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n

And maybe there\u2019ll be a magic moment for the veteran Yankees\u2019 first baseman, in the twilight of a fine career, on a talent-loaded Team USA \u2013 favored to win the gold.<\/p>\n

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As play begins, there are 13 Yankees are scattered about WBC rosters, the largest pinstriped collection since the tournament began in 2006.<\/p>\n

Austin Wells: Faster start?\"Feb<\/p>\n

Feb 13, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees catcher Austin Wells (28) works out during spring training practices at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Perhaps the WBC can be a launch pad for Wells.<\/p>\n

Offensively last year, Wells got off to a slow start and didn\u2019t build on 2024, his first full MLB season.<\/p>\n

At the plate, \u201cI expect a lot more out of him. As does he,\u2019\u2019 Yankees manager Aaron Boone said recently, referencing Wells\u2019 .219 average and .712 OPS in 126 games.<\/p>\n

Playing in his first WBC, Wells is catching for Team Dominican Republic, honoring his mother\u2019s heritage.<\/p>\n

And as Goldschmidt said recently, WBC play \u201ccan help you prepare for the regular season,\u2019\u2019 by facing better competition in a playoff-type setting \u2013 a different ramp-up than the exhibition schedule.<\/p>\n

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\u201cYou can\u2019t simulate these really meaningful (WBC) games,\u2019\u2019 said Goldschmidt. \u201cI think that\u2019s beneficial.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n

Elmer Rodriguez: Breakout star?\"Mar<\/p>\n

Mar 3, 2026; Lee County, FL, USA; Puerto Rico pitcher Elmer Rodriguez (18) pitches in the first inning against the Boston Red Sox. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Rodriguez and fellow right-hander Carlos Lagrange are the most exciting pitching prospects in Yankees camp.<\/p>\n

Now, Rodriguez has an opportunity to showcase his talent for Team Puerto Rico, in what MLB.com called the tournament\u2019s most balanced of the four WBC pools.<\/p>\n

Rodriguez is scheduled to start Puerto Rico\u2019s second game of pool play, against Panama (with Yankees infielder Jose Caballero on the roster).<\/p>\n

Canada, Cuba and Colombia are also in Pool A.<\/p>\n

In the WBC leadup, Rodriguez tossed three scoreless innings Tuesday against his old organization; last year, the Yanks sent catcher Carlos Narvaez to the Boston Red Sox<\/a> for E-Rod.<\/p>\n

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With a four-pitch arsenal, led by his fastball and slider, Rodriguez \u2013 who reached Triple-A by the end of last year \u2013 could impact the Yankees\u2019 pitching staff at some point in 2026.<\/p>\n

Jazz Chisholm Jr.: World stage advantage?\"Feb<\/p>\n

Feb 16, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees infielder infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. (13) fields a ground ball during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Yes, this looks like a brief WBC stay for the Yankees\u2019 second baseman.<\/p>\n

Chisholm is one of six players from the Bahamas on Team Great Britain, residing in Pool B with Team USA and Team Mexico.<\/p>\n

The lefty-hitting Chisholm is Great Britain\u2019s greatest player by far. And despite the tough draw, he\u2019ll get a personal chance to display his talent and plus-personality before entering a key 2026 season.<\/p>\n

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This is Chisholm\u2019s free agent walk year, and he\u2019s already discussed following up his 30-homer, 30-steal season with a 50-50 campaign \u2013 with a substantial payday to follow.<\/p>\n

If he stays healthy for the full season, anything\u2019s possible. However it shakes out, Chisholm\u2019s important year begins here.<\/p>\n

Yankees relievers: Highlight innings?<\/p>\n

1 \/ 22<\/p>\n

See photos of Aaron Judge, Team USA ahead of 2026 World Baseball Classic<\/p>\n

PHOENIX, ARIZONA – MARCH 02: Bryce Harper #24 of Team USA prepares to take batting practice during a workout at Papago Park Sports Complex on March 02, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

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1 \/ 22<\/p>\n

See photos of Aaron Judge, Team USA ahead of 2026 World Baseball Classic<\/p>\n

PHOENIX, ARIZONA – MARCH 02: Bryce Harper #24 of Team USA prepares to take batting practice during a workout at Papago Park Sports Complex on March 02, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

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2 \/ 22<\/p>\n

See photos of Aaron Judge, Team USA ahead of 2026 World Baseball Classic<\/p>\n

PHOENIX, ARIZONA – MARCH 02: Aaron Judge #99 of Team USA talks to Kyle Schwarber #12 during a workout at Papago Park Sports Complex on March 02, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

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3 \/ 22<\/p>\n

See photos of Aaron Judge, Team USA ahead of 2026 World Baseball Classic<\/p>\n

PHOENIX, ARIZONA – MARCH 02: Manager Mark DeRosa #9 of Team USA watches batting practice during a workout at Papago Park Sports Complex on March 02, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

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4 \/ 22<\/p>\n

See photos of Aaron Judge, Team USA ahead of 2026 World Baseball Classic<\/p>\n

PHOENIX, ARIZONA – MARCH 02: Aaron Judge #99 of Team USA fields a ground ball during a workout at Papago Park Sports Complex on March 02, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

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5 \/ 22<\/p>\n

See photos of Aaron Judge, Team USA ahead of 2026 World Baseball Classic<\/p>\n

PHOENIX, ARIZONA – MARCH 02: Kyle Schwarber #12 of Team USA walks to the batting cage during a workout at Papago Park Sports Complex on March 02, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

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6 \/ 22<\/p>\n

See photos of Aaron Judge, Team USA ahead of 2026 World Baseball Classic<\/p>\n

PHOENIX, ARIZONA – MARCH 02: Pitching coach Andy Pettitte #46 of Team USA talks to the pitchers during a workout at Papago Park Sports Complex on March 02, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

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7 \/ 22<\/p>\n

See photos of Aaron Judge, Team USA ahead of 2026 World Baseball Classic<\/p>\n

PHOENIX, ARIZONA – MARCH 02: Bryce Harper #24 of Team USA gestures to Kyle Schwarber #12 during a workout at Papago Park Sports Complex on March 02, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

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8 \/ 22<\/p>\n

See photos of Aaron Judge, Team USA ahead of 2026 World Baseball Classic<\/p>\n

PHOENIX, ARIZONA – MARCH 02: (L-R) Byron Buxton #25, Kyle Schwarber #12, Roman Anthony #3 and Aaron Judge #99 of Team USA walk from the field during a workout at Papago Park Sports Complex on March 02, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

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9 \/ 22<\/p>\n

See photos of Aaron Judge, Team USA ahead of 2026 World Baseball Classic<\/p>\n

PHOENIX, ARIZONA – MARCH 02: Aaron Judge #99 of Team USA talks with Ken Griffey Jr. (L) during a workout at Papago Park Sports Complex on March 02, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

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10 \/ 22<\/p>\n

See photos of Aaron Judge, Team USA ahead of 2026 World Baseball Classic<\/p>\n

PHOENIX, ARIZONA – MARCH 02: Aaron Judge #99 of Team USA looks on during a workout at Papago Park Sports Complex on March 02, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

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11 \/ 22<\/p>\n

See photos of Aaron Judge, Team USA ahead of 2026 World Baseball Classic<\/p>\n

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA – MARCH 03: Manager Mark DeRosa #9 of Team United States prepares for an exhibition game against the San Francisco Giants at Scottsdale Stadium on March 03, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

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12 \/ 22<\/p>\n

See photos of Aaron Judge, Team USA ahead of 2026 World Baseball Classic<\/p>\n

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA – MARCH 03: Aaron Judge #99 of Team United States prepares for an exhibition game against the San Francisco Giants at Scottsdale Stadium on March 03, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

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13 \/ 22<\/p>\n

See photos of Aaron Judge, Team USA ahead of 2026 World Baseball Classic<\/p>\n

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA – MARCH 03: Team United States watches a fly over during the singing of the national anthem prior to an exhibition game against the San Francisco Giants at Scottsdale Stadium on March 03, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

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14 \/ 22<\/p>\n

See photos of Aaron Judge, Team USA ahead of 2026 World Baseball Classic<\/p>\n

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA – MARCH 03: Kyle Schwarber #12 of Team United States prepares for an exhibition game against the San Francisco Giants at Scottsdale Stadium on March 03, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

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15 \/ 22<\/p>\n

See photos of Aaron Judge, Team USA ahead of 2026 World Baseball Classic<\/p>\n

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA – MARCH 03: Aaron Judge #99 of Team United States hits a two run single against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning of an exhibition game at Scottsdale Stadium on March 03, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

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16 \/ 22<\/p>\n

See photos of Aaron Judge, Team USA ahead of 2026 World Baseball Classic<\/p>\n

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA – MARCH 03: Aaron Judge #99 of Team United States runs to first base after hitting a two run single against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning of an exhibition game at Scottsdale Stadium on March 03, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

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17 \/ 22<\/p>\n

See photos of Aaron Judge, Team USA ahead of 2026 World Baseball Classic<\/p>\n

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA – MARCH 03: Paul Skenes #30 of Team United States delivers a first inning pitch against the San Francisco Giants during an exhibition game at Scottsdale Stadium on March 03, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

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18 \/ 22<\/p>\n

See photos of Aaron Judge, Team USA ahead of 2026 World Baseball Classic<\/p>\n

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA – MARCH 03: Bryce Harper #24 of Team United States hits a two run single against the San Francisco Giants during the fifth inning an exhibition game at Scottsdale Stadium on March 03, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

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19 \/ 22<\/p>\n

See photos of Aaron Judge, Team USA ahead of 2026 World Baseball Classic<\/p>\n

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA – MARCH 03: Aaron Judge #99 of Team United States gets high fives from teammates in the dugout after leaving the game in the fifth inning against the San Francisco Giants during an exhibition game at Scottsdale Stadium on March 03, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

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20 \/ 22<\/p>\n

See photos of Aaron Judge, Team USA ahead of 2026 World Baseball Classic<\/p>\n

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA – MARCH 03: Roman Anthony #3 of Team United States celebrates with Cal Raleigh #2 after hitting a two run home run against the San Francisco Giants during the sixth inning of an exhibition game at Scottsdale Stadium on March 03, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

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21 \/ 22<\/p>\n

See photos of Aaron Judge, Team USA ahead of 2026 World Baseball Classic<\/p>\n

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA – MARCH 03: Roman Anthony #3 of Team United States hits a two run home run against the San Francisco Giants during the sixth inning of an exhibition game at Scottsdale Stadium on March 03, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

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22 \/ 22<\/p>\n

See photos of Aaron Judge, Team USA ahead of 2026 World Baseball Classic<\/p>\n

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA – MARCH 03: Paul Skenes #30 of Team United States delivers a second inning pitch against the San Francisco Giants during an exhibition game at Scottsdale Stadium on March 03, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Last year\u2019s trade deadline acquisitions of David Bednar and Camilo Doval were also aimed toward fortifying the 2026 club.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, fellow right-hander Fernando Cruz, added via trade before the \u201925 season, became an important end-game bridge.<\/p>\n

Bednar (USA), Doval (Dominican Republic) and Cruz (Puerto Rico) are all participating in the WBC, with a chance to pitch some big innings, while Yanks\u2019 lefty reliever Tim Hill could potentially enter as a Team USA alternate.<\/p>\n

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Naturally, the overriding WBC wish of Yankees Universe is returning their pitchers healthy and ready for the regular season.<\/p>\n

How this trio emerges after the early, adrenaline rush of tournament play is one more thing to watch.<\/p>\n

Aaron Judge: WBC MVP?\"Mar<\/p>\n

Mar 3, 2026; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Team USA outfielder Aaron Judge against the San Francisco Giants during a spring training game at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Here’s the latest, big stage for the two-time defending AL MVP.<\/p>\n

In his first WBC, Judge is also Captain America – the signature player on a USA team seeking just its second tournament title.<\/p>\n

Judge recently spoke about the inspiration drawn from the recent men’s and women’s Team USA hockey gold medal performances, and how personally meaningful it is to finally play for his country.<\/p>\n

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Plus, “this room has a presence,” said Judge, who’s elevated 2025 postseason performance was something Yankees fans had long hoped to see.<\/p>\n

Tops on that list is Judge leading the Yanks up the Canyon of Heroes. Before that, he can lead Team USA to a title.<\/p>\n

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Yankees expectations, possibilities as 2026 WBC begins<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Before leaving for his third World Baseball Classic, Paul Goldschmidt offered a simple, personal reason for participating. \u201cIt\u2019s…\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":633742,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_share_on_mastodon":"0"},"categories":[41],"tags":[3090,62560,1281,69663,25271,1890,204107,9140,1266,9141,22310,62,248229,1348,9144,67,132,68,270174,2386],"class_list":["post-633741","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-mlb","tag-aaron-judge","tag-austin-wells","tag-boston-red-sox","tag-camilo-doval","tag-carlos-narvaez","tag-david-bednar","tag-elmer-rodriguez","tag-fernando-cruz","tag-mlb","tag-paul-goldschmidt","tag-rodriguez","tag-sports","tag-team-dominican-republic","tag-team-usa","tag-tim-hill","tag-united-states","tag-unitedstates","tag-us","tag-wbc-rosters","tag-yankees"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@us\/116176085749498125","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/633741","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=633741"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/633741\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/633742"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=633741"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=633741"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=633741"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}