The Dominican Republic has officially submitted its star-studded roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, assembling what many are calling a US$2 billion “Dream Team” aimed at bringing home the trophy. The DR has only won once, in 2013.
General manager Nelson Cruz and team manager Albert Pujols reportedly finalized the team roster this week, following a high-level strategy meeting in Santo Domingo with legends including Pedro Martínez, David Ortiz, and Juan Marichal. The roster represents a massive investment in talent, featuring some of the highest-paid and most accomplished players in Major League Baseball history.
The lineup: A Major League powerhouse
The Dominican squad is built around a “core four” of elite MLB stars, headlined by Juan Soto (New York Yankees), who recently committed to leading the offensive charge. He is joined by fellow perennial MVP candidates Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Toronto Blue Jays) and Fernando Tatis Jr. (San Diego Padres), providing the lineup with unparalleled power.
Adding veteran depth is Manny Machado (San Diego Padres), while the middle infield will be anchored by Arizona Diamondbacks teammates Ketel Marte and Geraldo Perdomo.
The roster also showcases a new generation of speed and skill, including Julio Rodríguez (Seattle Mariners), Oneil Cruz (Pittsburgh Pirates), Junior Caminero (Tampa Bay Rays) and Jeremy Peña (Houston Astros).
To address the shortcomings of the 2023 tournament, the Dominican Republic has prioritized a deep pitching rotation. The staff is led by former Cy Young winner Sandy Alcántara (Miami Marlins), along with Brayan Bello (Boston Red Sox) and Cristopher Sánchez (Philadelphia Phillies).
The bullpen features several of MLB’s most reliable arms, includes Seranthony Domínguez (Baltimore Orioles), Camilo Doval (San Francisco Giants), Carlos Estévez (Philadelphia Phillies), Wandy Peralta (San Diego Padres) and Luis Severino (New York Mets).
The road to redemption
After a disappointing early exit in 2023, the 2026 squad is focused on returning to the form that saw them win the title undefeated in 2013. “Everyone knows we have a responsibility,” team manager Albert Pujols noted during the selection process, emphasizing that the team is playing for national pride after failing to meet expectations in the previous World Baseball Classic.
The Dominican Republic will begin its quest in Pool D, hosted at loanDepot Park in Miami. Their tournament opens on 6 March 2026, against Nicaragua, in a group that also includes Venezuela, Israel, and the Netherlands.
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Sporting News
El Caribe
5 February 2026