Royals Rumblings: March 12, 2026 Updates and Spring Preview

This blog post recaps Vinnie Pasquantino’s historic three-homer performance in the World Baseball Classic. It also looks at how Italy’s win against Mexico shaped the tournament narrative for Team USA, then scans Royals spring camp notes, WBC impressions, and a rising pitching prospect.

There’s a bit on streaming plans for Opening Day and, at the end, a light personal note from the writer.

Historic Power Surge: Pasquantino’s three-homer night in the World Baseball Classic

In a moment that’s going to stick with fans for a long time, Vinnie Pasquantino hammered three homers against Mexico. He became the first player in WBC history to pull that off.

That power binge pushed Italy to a convincing win and added a new twist to Team USA’s storyline as the event moved toward the knockout rounds. It really felt like a breakout for the young slugger, and it’s another example of how the WBC gives players a chance to change their MLB outlook in the spring.

Italy’s breakout win and the ripple effect on Team USA’s tournament narrative

Pasquantino’s huge night helped Italy reach the quarterfinals. The commanding win fired up fans both at home and around the world.

The WBC keeps showing how it can change the way we see players, especially outside the usual spring training bubble. Team USA watched it all, knowing every national team’s performance can shift the bigger MLB narrative.

The explosive show at the plate was a reminder: the WBC is still a proving ground for power hitters and clutch moments on baseball’s biggest international stage.

Wacha Returns to Royals Camp After Energizing WBC Experience

After pitching for Team USA, Michael Wacha came back to Kansas City’s spring facility. He’s lined up for a three-inning Cactus League start against the Diamondbacks.

Wacha called the WBC an energizing experience and said he feels motivated for the MLB season ahead. The veteran righthander’s take? International play can really recharge you before Opening Day rolls around.

Royals’ spring games yield homers and questions about roster spots

The Royals got swept in split-squad Cactus League action against the Cubs and Giants, but the lineup showed some life. Gavin Cross, Brett Squires, Elias Díaz, Luca Tresh, Peyton Wilson, and Blake Mitchell all homered, giving a few players a shot to push for roster spots as things take shape.

• Gavin Cross
• Brett Squires
• Elias Díaz
• Luca Tresh
• Peyton Wilson
• Blake Mitchell

Meanwhile, Team reporter Royals Keep pointed out that an injury to Michael Massey could open a door for Josh Rojas. Spring drills are still rolling, and players are battling for those last few spots.

WBC Buzz: Dominican Republic, Maikel Garcia, and Angel Zerpa

Over in the WBC, the Dominican Republic took down Venezuela in a high-stakes matchup. The tournament’s depth is wild—these international rosters are loaded.

Maikel Garcia had a monster day, going 4-for-4 with a walk. Angel Zerpa tossed a scoreless inning, adding to the list of performances that keep scouts and fans buzzing.

Kendry Chourio: A Rising Star Poised for 2026

Another storyline is Kendry Chourio, who landed among the top 30 prospects to watch for 2026 after a breakout 2025. He struck out 63 and walked just five in 51 1/3 innings.

Chourio moved from the DSL to Single-A Columbia, and scouts love his mid-90s fastball, sharp upper-70s curveball, and command that’s well beyond his years. If he keeps this up, he’ll probably rank among the Minors’ top pitchers in K-BB% for his age—maybe even climb the ladder fast.

Opening Day on Netflix and a Personal Touch

Opening Day’s coming up, and there’s buzz that Netflix might air its first MLB game. That could pull in a whole new crowd for spring and regular-season baseball.

The streaming twist just adds more anticipation for fans who love watching the business side of the game shift. And just for fun, I’ll admit my personal favorite way to start the season: blasting Motley Crue’s “Home Sweet Home.”

 
Here is the source article for this story: Royals Rumblings – News for March 12, 2026