The Kansas City Royals were all over the 2026 World Baseball Classic — and when it was over, a few of them were celebrating a title.Salvador Perez, Maikel Garcia and Luinder Avila are world champions after Venezuela held off the United States 3-2 in the final.Perez took on a bigger role than just catcher. The longtime Royals veteran served as Venezuela’s captain, setting the tone for a team chasing its first WBC title.Garcia, though, was the one who stole the spotlight.The young Royals star put together a standout tournament, hitting .385 with a .970 OPS. In the championship game, he delivered early, driving in a run with a sacrifice fly in the third inning to get Venezuela on the board. By the end of it all, Garcia was named the tournament’s MVP. Perez didn’t light up the stat sheet, but his impact showed up in other ways. His handling of the pitching staff and presence in the dugout helped steady Venezuela through a deep and competitive field.On the other side, Bobby Witt Jr. gave Royals fans something to watch, too.Representing Team USA, Witt flashed both his bat and glove throughout the tournament. His defense, in particular, stood out in key spots.Kansas City’s impact didn’t stop with Venezuela and the United States.Vinnie Pasquantino and Jac Caglianone helped turn Italy into one of the tournament’s biggest surprises.Pasquantino provided pop in the middle of the lineup, launching three home runs and posting a .970 OPS. Caglianone, one of the Royals’ youngest players, showed why there’s so much buzz around him. He hit .286 with a 1.071 OPS and reached base at a .500 clip, combining patience with power in a way that stood out against international competition. Royals fans pack KC watch parties as Bobby Witt Jr., Salvador Perez shine in World Baseball ClassicSt. Patrick’s Day celebrations filled Johnnie’s earlier in the day, but by game time, the attention turned fully to baseball.Fans gathered to watch the World Baseball Classic final, cheering on Kansas City Royals stars Bobby Witt Jr. and Salvador Perez as they represented their countries on the global stage.“It’s a great group of guys. Happy they are representing the USA,” said fan Colby.Perez, known to fans as “Salvy,” took the field for Venezuela, while Witt represented Team USA.“We love Salvy. He’s the best. Been with us for 15 years,” said Chris O’Connor.Others didn’t hold back their support for Kansas City’s young star.“Bobby Witt — the best,” another fan said.Both players stepped away from spring training to compete internationally, creating what fans described as a “duel on the diamond.”“It means something because they’re playing for their country. It’s great,” O’Connor said.That mix of hometown pride and international competition is driving strong viewership across Kansas City.Fans say the tournament is putting Royals talent on display worldwide.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. —

The Kansas City Royals were all over the 2026 World Baseball Classic — and when it was over, a few of them were celebrating a title.

Salvador Perez, Maikel Garcia and Luinder Avila are world champions after Venezuela held off the United States 3-2 in the final.

Perez took on a bigger role than just catcher. The longtime Royals veteran served as Venezuela’s captain, setting the tone for a team chasing its first WBC title.

Garcia, though, was the one who stole the spotlight.

The young Royals star put together a standout tournament, hitting .385 with a .970 OPS. In the championship game, he delivered early, driving in a run with a sacrifice fly in the third inning to get Venezuela on the board.

By the end of it all, Garcia was named the tournament’s MVP.

Perez didn’t light up the stat sheet, but his impact showed up in other ways.

His handling of the pitching staff and presence in the dugout helped steady Venezuela through a deep and competitive field.

On the other side, Bobby Witt Jr. gave Royals fans something to watch, too.

Representing Team USA, Witt flashed both his bat and glove throughout the tournament. His defense, in particular, stood out in key spots.

Kansas City’s impact didn’t stop with Venezuela and the United States.

Vinnie Pasquantino and Jac Caglianone helped turn Italy into one of the tournament’s biggest surprises.

Pasquantino provided pop in the middle of the lineup, launching three home runs and posting a .970 OPS.

Caglianone, one of the Royals’ youngest players, showed why there’s so much buzz around him. He hit .286 with a 1.071 OPS and reached base at a .500 clip, combining patience with power in a way that stood out against international competition.

Royals fans pack KC watch parties as Bobby Witt Jr., Salvador Perez shine in World Baseball Classic

St. Patrick’s Day celebrations filled Johnnie’s earlier in the day, but by game time, the attention turned fully to baseball.

Fans gathered to watch the World Baseball Classic final, cheering on Kansas City Royals stars Bobby Witt Jr. and Salvador Perez as they represented their countries on the global stage.

“It’s a great group of guys. Happy they are representing the USA,” said fan Colby.

Perez, known to fans as “Salvy,” took the field for Venezuela, while Witt represented Team USA.

“We love Salvy. He’s the best. Been with us for 15 years,” said Chris O’Connor.

Others didn’t hold back their support for Kansas City’s young star.

“Bobby Witt — the best,” another fan said.

Both players stepped away from spring training to compete internationally, creating what fans described as a “duel on the diamond.”

“It means something because they’re playing for their country. It’s great,” O’Connor said.

That mix of hometown pride and international competition is driving strong viewership across Kansas City.

Fans say the tournament is putting Royals talent on display worldwide.