DR1 Daily News - Dominican Republic

Juan Soto and Juan Marichal / Diario Libre

Star outfielder Juan Soto is only awaiting New York Mets permission to be included in the Dominican roster of the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC). The slugger, who holds the highest contract in professional sports history, declared his readiness after receiving the prestigious Juan Marichal Award for the second time. The award honors the best Dominican player in Major League Baseball.

“Everyone already knows that answer [about playing in the Classic]… we are ready,” Soto affirmed when questioned about his commitment after accepting the accolade.

Soto, 26, emphasized that his decision to represent the country was his own and a goal he had set for the coming year. “It was my decision,” he stated in an interview with “Luz García El Podcast.”

“I had always wanted to put on the Dominican Republic uniform,” he...