Making friends, repping U.S., prepping for '26: Classic means everything to Goldy

DUNEDIN, Fla. – Each trip to home plate carries a little more edge for Paul Goldschmidt in these early spring games. The veteran isn’t just preparing for a second season in pinstripes; he’s gearing up for another run in red, white and blue.

Set to become the first player to represent Team USA in three World Baseball Classics (2017, ’23, ’26), Goldschmidt called returning to the tournament an easy decision, describing it as “probably the most fun I’ve ever had playing baseball.”

“You’re playing with some of the best players on the planet and against the best players on the planet,” said Goldschmidt, who homered, doubled and drove in four runs in the Yankees’ 8-7 Grapefruit League victory over the Blue Jays on Tuesday at TD Ballpark. “It’s like an All-Star Game, every game.”

As eager as Goldschmidt is for Team USA’s pool play – beginning March 6 against Brazil at Houston’s Daikin Park – the 38-year-old first baseman is also looking forward to the quieter moments.

At the most recent WBC, Goldschmidt recalled studying Mike Trout’s preparation in the batting cages and weight room, along with lengthy conversations with Pete Alonso.

“It was like, ‘Oh, cool, that’s pretty similar to what I do,’” Goldschmidt said. “It almost gives you confidence when you see a player like that. Just seeing how everyone does different things; I remember watching Trout, just wanting to see what his routine was like. Getting that opportunity was awesome.”

Given Team USA’s stacked roster, Goldschmidt expects more of those moments in March.

“You’re getting to build relationships with guys that you’re normally competing against,” Goldschmidt said. “I’ve made some lifelong friends and great memories. Representing your country is the ultimate honor, and getting the opportunity to do that and try to win a gold medal that is becoming more and more coveted.

“I do also think it can help you prepare for the regular season. Spring Training is good, but to play playoff-type games, by the time Opening Day comes you’ve almost been through it – stuff that you can’t simulate.”

Goldschmidt knows the contrast well. He was in the U.S. lineup for the memorable WBC championship game against Japan at Miami’s loanDepot park three years ago – a far cry from Tuesday’s sun-splashed exhibition against Toronto.

Still, it was a productive afternoon for Goldschmidt, who signed a one-year, $4 million contract to return to the Yankees on Feb. 12.

After bouncing into a double play his first time up, Goldschmidt turned on an 80.5 mph sinker from submarining right-hander Tyler Rogers in the third inning, launching a two-run homer off the batter’s eye in center field.

In his third at-bat, Goldschmidt ripped a Jesse Hahn sweeper into the left-field corner for a two-run double, scoring Aaron Judge and Jazz Chisholm Jr.

After a hot start to his Bombers tenure, Goldschmidt’s performance dipped against right-handed pitching last season, opening more playing time for Ben Rice at first base.

Though most of his role could come against lefties and as a late-inning defensive replacement, Goldschmidt said the spring is “definitely not a time where you just want to go through the motions.”

“It always feels good to get hits and hit the ball hard,” Goldschmidt said. “It’s nice to make an adjustment there and put a better swing on the ball. For me, it’s just about continuing to build toward Opening Day. There’s going to be games that are not good stat-wise, but you’re trying to get into the flow where it becomes more natural.”

Being in meaningful games, even in March, can help. Goldschmidt said he senses the WBC’s momentum building with each edition.

“The first time I was there in ’17, it kind of felt like some of the best players didn’t want to be part of the tournament,” Goldschmidt said. “We really played with a chip on our shoulder. We wanted to prove that we were going to win.

“Winning the gold medal, we went back and talked to players saying, ‘This was a great experience, it was really fun.’ In ’23, there were a lot more of the best players that wanted to participate, and I think it’s even growing now. The tournament’s only been around 20 years. I just think it’s great for the game.”