Miami – Dominican star pitcher Sandy Alcántara, winner of the National League Cy Young Award in 2022, has expressed his desire to represent the Dominican Republic in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC), despite not yet having been contacted by the team’s management.
In statements to journalist Kevin Barral, Alcántara was forceful:
“I am here. If they want to call me, I am ready”
Sandy Alcántara
With these words, the Miami Marlins’ ace opened the door to a possible participation in the international tournament, leaving the decision to call him up in the hands of the team’s leaders, led by Nelson Cruz.
Although the Dominican Baseball Federation has not yet formally initiated the call-up process, the early availability of the 29-year-old right-hander is positive news for fans. Alcántara did not participate in the 2023 edition due to reasons related to his Major League season planning, but his return for 2026 seems feasible, especially after his recovery from surgery that kept him out of part of last season.
The Dominican Republic, eliminated in the group stage in 2023, faces additional pressure heading into the next World Baseball Classic. With Alcántara —one of the most prominent starting pitchers in baseball— showing commitment, expectations of seeing a more solid and competitive team are strengthened.
For now, the decision is in the hands of management. Sandy Alcántara has already made his position clear: if they call him, he answers.
