St. Louis Cardinals slugger and NL MVP hopeful Paul Goldschmidt is the latest star to join Team USA's roster for the upcoming 2023 World Baseball Classic.
Paul Goldschmidt is back and #ALLIN for Team USA. 🇺🇸 #WorldBaseballClassic pic.twitter.com/16DtGo1Pu6
— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) August 6, 2022
Goldschmidt, 34, represented the country during the 2017 event. The seven-time All-Star struggled with one hit over five games while splitting time at first base with Eric Hosmer.
The four-time Silver Slugger and Gold Glove winner joins Cardinals teammate Nolan Arenado, Boston Red Sox second baseman Trevor Story, and Los Angeles Angels superstar Mike Trout as players to commit to America for the WBC. Trout, a three-time MVP, is the captain of the squad.
Marcus Stroman, who won tournament MVP for Team USA in 2017, has elected to represent Team Puerto Rico.
Qualifying for the tournament begins in September, but the United States is already guaranteed a spot. America's tournament will begin with the opening round March 11-15 in Pool C against Mexico, Colombia, Canada, and a fifth country that has yet to qualify.
Goldschmidt is on pace to win his first NL MVP award after finishing as the runner-up on two separate occasions. He leads the Senior Circuit with a .330/.411/.609 slash line while adding 26 homers and five stolen bases.
