Manny Machado Sets His Sights on the Championship for the 2026 World Baseball Classic
The captain of the Dominican Republic’s national team for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, Manny Machado, has made it clear that the team’s main objective is to lift the trophy and bring honor to the name of the Dominican Republic. During the first practice of the Quisqueya team, held last Sunday at loanDepot Park, the star third baseman shared his expectations and the team’s mentality.Machado, a player for the San Diego Padres, emphasized the need to leave behind the performance of 2023, where the team failed to advance to the next round. Now, the focus is on the team’s current talent and executing their own game.The most important thing here is to win. That’s what we all want in the clubhouse: to win for the country. At the end of the day that’s the most important thing, to play for the Dominican Republic.
Manny Machado
The third baseman also highlighted the importance of his family roots and his connection to the country as motivation for his participation in the tournament.We have to play our game. Not focusing on the other teams, but on what we can do ourselves every day. If we do that, we’re going to be in a good position.
Manny Machado
Machado, who debuted in the Clásico in 2017 and repeated in 2023, has been appointed captain for the 2026 edition. After practice in Miami, the team will move to Santo Domingo to continue their preparation at the Quisqueya Juan Marichal Stadium, where they will play two exhibition games against the Detroit Tigers. The Dominican Republic national team’s debut will be on Friday against Nicaragua. Subsequently, they will face the Netherlands, Israel, and the United States in the group stage of the tournament.My Dominican blood is always there.
Manny Machado
