Santo Domingo – The Dominican Baseball Federation (Fedom) has confirmed the participation of prominent figures from Major League Baseball in the upcoming 2026 World Baseball Classic. Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Elly de la Cruz have expressed their desire to represent the Dominican Republic in the tournament, significantly strengthening the team that will be under the direction of Albert Pujols.
Stars Bolster Dominican Roster
The incorporation of Machado and Tatis Jr., both players from the San Diego Padres, along with the young talent of the Cincinnati Reds, Elly de la Cruz, strengthens a core that already has the presence of Junior Caminero (Tampa Bay Rays) and Geraldo Perdomo (Arizona Diamondbacks), who previously confirmed their commitment to the Dominican selection.
Pujols and Cruz: “The fans will be proud of the lineup and roster we will announce for the World Baseball Classic”
Manny Machado, known as “El Ministro” for his outstanding defense at third base, is considered a natural leader of the team. This will be his third World Baseball Classic, after participating in the 2017 and 2023 editions.
Tatis Jr. (“El Niño”) and De la Cruz (“La Cocoa”) will wear the Dominican uniform for the first time in a World Baseball Classic, contributing a combination of power, speed, and dynamism to the team.
The Dominican selection has scheduled two exhibition games on March 3rd and 4th at the Quisqueya Juan Marichal stadium against the Detroit Tigers, as part of their preparation for the tournament, which will be held from March 5th to 17th, 2026.
In the Major Leagues, Machado maintains an average of 32 home runs per season, accumulating 369 home runs over a 14-year career. Tatis Jr. is coming off hitting 25 home runs, while De la Cruz hit 20, figures that reflect the offensive potential they will add to the Dominican team.
In defense, both Machado and Tatis Jr. have proven to be above-average players, with both being Gold Glove winners in Major League Baseball.
The Dominican Republic, undefeated champion in the 2013 World Baseball Classic, will compete in Group D, where it will face Nicaragua, Venezuela, Israel, and the Netherlands.
