Houston Astros infielder Zach Dezenzo has been enjoying a strong showing with Team Italy at the World Baseball Classic, helping the underdog squad reach the tournament’s knockout stage.
But the story behind how Dezenzo joined Italy’s roster might be just as memorable as his on-field contributions.
And it all started with a humorous recruitment effort from Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino.
Dezenzo contributing to Italy’s surprising WBC run
Team Italy has been one of the biggest surprises of the tournament so far.
The team stunned Team USA in a major upset earlier in the week before defeating Mexico to secure a spot in the knockout round.
Dezenzo has played a role in Italy’s success, delivering several key moments throughout the tournament as the team continues its unexpected run.
While his long-term role with the Astros remains uncertain, his importance to Italy’s roster has been clear.
Recruitment story goes back to 2025
According to reporting from the Houston Chronicle, the origins of Dezenzo’s WBC participation date back to May of last year when the Royals visited Houston for a regular-season series.
Pasquantino, who serves as a key leader for Team Italy, made a point to check whether Dezenzo was still with the Astros and interested in joining the Italian national team.
Once he confirmed Dezenzo’s commitment, Pasquantino welcomed him in a very memorable way.
A hilariously stereotypical gift
As a recruiting gesture, Pasquantino presented Dezenzo with a white tank top — a playful nod to Italian stereotypes.
The gesture was meant to be lighthearted, but it also served a purpose: strengthening Dezenzo’s connection to the team and building enthusiasm for the tournament.
It worked.
Pasquantino’s early outreach helped secure Dezenzo as part of Italy’s roster for the WBC, showing how seriously he takes the responsibility of building a competitive national squad.
Italy’s long-term recruiting strategy
Because the World Baseball Classic occurs only every few years, Team Italy has focused on establishing relationships with players early.
Pasquantino’s efforts with Dezenzo are a perfect example of that strategy.
By recruiting players well before the tournament begins, Italy has been able to assemble a roster capable of competing with some of the sport’s powerhouse nations.
Dezenzo’s future still uncertain in Houston
While Dezenzo’s role with Italy is clearly defined, his situation with the Houston Astros heading into the 2026 season remains less certain.
Houston’s crowded roster — combined with unresolved trade situations involving players like Jake Meyers and Isaac Paredes — has made it difficult for the team to find a consistent role for him.
Still, Dezenzo’s performance in the World Baseball Classic highlights his potential value.
And even if his MLB role isn’t fully settled yet, it’s never a bad thing for an organization to have players who are attracting attention on the international stage.
For now, Dezenzo’s memorable recruitment story — complete with a white tank-top welcome gift — has become one of the lighter and more entertaining moments of this year’s tournament.
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