Former Missoula Osprey to Represent Team USA in World Baseball Classic

Paul Goldschmidt, a one-time Missoula minor leaguer, will play for the U.S. national team in the 2026 tournament.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Paul Goldschmidt, a former player for the Missoula Osprey minor league team, has been selected to represent the United States in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Goldschmidt, who went on to have a successful MLB career as a 7-time All-Star and 4-time Gold Glover, previously played for Team USA in the 2017 WBC.

Why it matters

Goldschmidt's inclusion on the U.S. national team provides a point of pride for the Missoula community, as he honed his skills in their minor league system before making it big in the majors. The World Baseball Classic also offers a rare opportunity for international baseball competition outside of the Olympics.

The details

Goldschmidt played for the Missoula Osprey, the Arizona Diamondbacks' rookie-level affiliate, for one season in 2011 before quickly ascending through the minors and making his MLB debut later that year. He went on to become an MVP, 7-time All-Star, 5-time Silver Slugger, and 4-time Gold Glove winner over his 13-year MLB career with the Diamondbacks, Cardinals, and Yankees.

  • The 2026 World Baseball Classic will take place from March 4-17, 2026.
  • Goldschmidt previously represented Team USA in the 2017 World Baseball Classic.

The players

Paul Goldschmidt

A former player for the Missoula Osprey minor league team who went on to have a successful 13-year MLB career, making 7 All-Star teams and winning 4 Gold Gloves.

Missoula Osprey

The rookie-level minor league affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, where Goldschmidt played in 2011 before quickly advancing to the major leagues.

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What’s next

The 2026 World Baseball Classic will begin on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, with Team USA facing off against the Colorado Rockies in an exhibition game before opening tournament play on Friday, March 6 against Brazil.

The takeaway

Goldschmidt's selection to the U.S. national team for the World Baseball Classic is a testament to his exceptional talent and the impact he made during his time in the Missoula Osprey minor league system. His inclusion on the roster provides a source of pride for the Missoula community and highlights the city's role in developing MLB-caliber players.