The Dominican Republic is consistently listed as one of the powerhouse nations for every World Baseball Classic, as it boasts some of the biggest names in baseball. As the country that has topped the list of Major League players born outside the United States every year since it was first published in 1995, the Dominican Republic has gone into every WBC with sky-high expectations. This year will be no exception.
For 2026, former Major League slugger Nelson Cruz, in his second stint as Team Dominican’s general manager, has once again put together a formidable squad on paper, with a potentially powerful lineup and impressive arms in the rotation and the bullpen.
2026 World Baseball Classic
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30-man roster
Pitchers: Albert Abreu, RHP; Sandy Alcantara, RHP; Elvis Alvarado, RHP; Brayan Bello, RHP; Huascar Brazobán, RHP; Seranthony Domínguez, RHP; Camilo Doval, RHP; Carlos Estévez, RHP; Wandy Peralta, LHP; Cristopher Sánchez, LHP; Dennis Santana, RHP; Luis Severino, RHP; Gregory Soto, LHP; Edwin Uceta, RHP, Abner Uribe, RHP
Infielders: Junior Caminero, 3B; Vladimir Guerrero Jr., 1B; Manny Machado, 3B; Ketel Marte, 2B; Jeremy Peña, SS; Geraldo Perdomo, SS; Agustín Ramírez, C; Amed Rosario, UTL; Carlos Santana, 1B; Austin Wells, C
Outfielders: Oneil Cruz, CF; Julio Rodríguez, CF; Johan Rojas, CF; Juan Soto, RF; Fernando Tatis Jr., RF
2023 WBC performance
2023 will go down as a major disappointment for the Dominican Republic. Playing in Miami’s Pool D at loanDepot park, labeled by many as the “group of death,” the Dominican squad finished third with a 2-2 record and did not qualify for the quarterfinals. Its two losses were to Venezuela and Puerto Rico by a combined score of 10-3.
2026 WBC schedule
The Dominican Republic will once again start the tournament in Pool D in Miami, along with Venezuela, Nicaragua, the Netherlands and Israel. The D.R. will be begin group play on March 6 against Nicaragua, followed by games on March 8 vs. the Netherlands, March 9 vs. Israel and March 11 vs. Venezuela.
Best WBC performance
By far, the most memorable World Baseball Classic for the Dominican Republic was 2013, when it ran the table with an 8-0 record to win the championship, guided by manager Tony Peña and tournament MVP Robinson Canó. The D.R. defeated Team Puerto Rico three times, including in the championship game.
Biggest games in country history (WBC, Olympics, Premier12)
The Dominican Republic’s biggest win was the 2013 final against Puerto Rico, a 3-0 victory at San Francisco’s Oracle Park. Edwin Encarnación hit a two-run double, while Erick Aybar doubled home the D.R.’s third run. Right-hander Samuel Deduno and four relievers shut down Puerto Rico’s offense, capped by closer Fernando Rodney’s seventh save of the tournament.
Minor League prospects on the team
With the marquee Major League talent on the Dominican squad, the players on the team with the least big league experience are Ramírez and reliever Elvis Alvarado, who made 37 appearances last year as a rookie for the Athletics.
Story to watch
Albert Pujols takes over the managerial position from Rodney Linares. After a legendary playing career that will surely make him a first-ballot Hall of Famer, Pujols managed Leones del Escogido in the Dominican Winter League (LIDOM) in the 2024-25 season. His club not only won the LIDOM championship, but also captured the Caribbean Series title the next week. Now, he’ll try to bring a second WBC crown to the Dominican.
Questions ahead of upcoming tournament
How will Pujols juggle the plethora of big-name position players on his roster? An embarrassment of riches can sometimes result in a complicated puzzle to piece together, with the goal of maximizing all that talent in a short tournament.