MLB Stars Bolster Dominican Republic for 2026 World Baseball Classic
The Dominican Baseball Federation (Fedom) announced this Tuesday the confirmation of several renowned figures from Major League Baseball who will represent the Dominican Republic in the upcoming 2026 World Baseball Classic. Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Elly de la Cruz have expressed their desire to be part of the team, which will significantly strengthen the roster led by Albert Pujols. The integration of Machado and Tatis Jr., both players from the San Diego Padres, along with Elly de la Cruz, from the Cincinnati Reds, complements an already existing core of talent, which includes Junior Caminero (Tampa Bay Rays) and Geraldo Perdomo (Arizona Diamondbacks), who had already committed to the Dominican Republic national team.Manny Machado, known for his outstanding defense at third base, is considered a natural leader on the team. This will be his third World Baseball Classic, after participating in the 2017 and 2023 editions. Tatis Jr. and De la Cruz will debut in the tournament, bringing a combination of power, speed, and dynamism to the Dominican 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. Machado averages 32 home runs per season in the Major Leagues, with a total of 369 home runs in a 14-year career. Tatis Jr. recently hit 25 home runs, while De la Cruz added 20, figures that reflect the offensive potential of the Dominican team. Both Machado and Tatis Jr. have proven to be outstanding defensive players, both winners of the Gold Glove in Major League Baseball. The Dominican Republic, undefeated champion in the 2013 World Baseball Classic, will compete in Group D, facing Nicaragua, Venezuela, Israel, and the Netherlands.Fans will feel proud of the lineup and roster that we will announce for the World Classic
Albert Pujols and Elly de la Cruz
