St. Louis Cardinals star Paul Goldschmidt on playing in the 2023 World Baseball Classic: "I was basically begging to get back on the team again"

St. Louis Cardinals star Paul Goldschmidt cannot wait to play for Team USA at the World Baseball Classic. He was on the team for the 2017 tournament and is looking to repeat as champion.

Team USA is one of the favorites to win the WBC and Paul Goldschmidt is one of the team's top players. The reigning National League MVP brings experience, skill, and passion to the team. Being motivated in these tournaments can make a world of difference, and Goldschmidt certainly is.

The World Baseball Classic posted a quote from the St. Louis Cardinals slugger on Twitter.

"It's one of the greatest baseball experiences I've ever had... I was basically begging to get back on the team again this time," Paul Goldschmidt said.

With commitments from one of their stars like this, Team USA will be tough to beat. Having Mike Trout, Clayton Kershaw, and Mookie Betts certainly helps as well.

Team USA is still the team to beat at the World Baseball Classic

Championship Round - Game 3 - United States v Puerto Rico

Team USA won it all in 2017, and since this is their first WBC since then, they are still the defending champions. They will get the highest level of competition from all of their opponents and no game will be easy.

Team USA infielder Nolan Arenado made it clear that the team has one goal: winning it all.

"We're playing this to win the gold medal," Nolan Arenado said.

There is no shortage of great teams competing in the WBC, and Team USA will not have an easy time holding on to their title.