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If there's a leading threat to take down the favorite, the United States, at the 2026 World Baseball Classic, it likely isn't the defending champion in Japan — it's the Dominican Republic.
The D.R. is once again loaded with premiere MLB talent for this year's tournament, and after a major disappointment in 2023, there's reason to believe those stars will be motivated for a deep run.
A pair of former big league stars, Nelson Cruz (general manager) and Albert Pujols (manager) have put together an outstanding group for the 2026 tournament.
Here's a breakdown of the Dominican Republic's roster, schedule and more for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
MORE: Full 2026 WBC rosters for every team
Dominican Republic World Baseball Classic 2026 roster
As was the case in past years, the Dominican Republic is not shy on MLB star talent for the international competition.
Offensively, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will be making his WBC debut, while returning stars Juan Soto and Manny Machado help make up an offensive trio that's hard to beat across all of baseball. The fact that Fernando Tatis Jr., Ketel Marte, Julio Rodriguez, Oneil Cruz and Junior Caminero are the secondary offensive stars of the squad speaks to the Dominican Republic's elite depth.
Outside of the star-studded lineup, there will be a little more questions surrounding the Dominican Republic pitching staff. Sandy Alcantara is a big name as a former NL Cy Young award winner, but he's also coming off a shaky 2025 season. Christopher Sanchez had a terrific season in 2025 for the Phillies as a Cy Young contender, but he'll be making his WBC debut.
There's potential for the Dominican Republic to dominate the tournament, but pitching will play a big role in that potential.
Pitchers
| Player | Team | Throws |
| Albert Abreu | -- | R |
| Sandy Alcántara | Marlins | R |
| Elvis Alvarado | Athletics | R |
| Huascar Brazoban | Mets | R |
| Brayan Bello | Red Sox | R |
| Seranthony Dominguez | White Sox | R |
| Camilo Doval | Yankees | R |
| Carlos Estevez | Royals | R |
| Wandy Peralta | Padres | L |
| Cristopher Sanchez | Phillies | L |
| Dennis Santana | Pirates | R |
| Luis Severino | Athletics | R |
| Gregory Soto | Pirates | L |
| Edwin Uceta | Rays | R |
| Abner Uribe | Brewers | R |
Catchers
| Player | Team | Bats/Throws |
| Agustin Ramirez | Marlins | R/R |
| Austin Wells | Yankees | L/R |
Infielders
| Player | Team | Position | Bats/Throws |
| Junior Caminero | Rays | 3B | R/R |
| Vladimir Guerrero Jr. | Blue Jays | 1B | R/R |
| Ketel Marte | Diamondbacks | 2B | S/R |
| Manny Machado | Padres | 3B | R/R |
| Jeremy Pena | Astros | SS | R/R |
| Geraldo Perdomo | Diamondbacks | SS | S/R |
| Amed Rosario | Yankees | 2B | R/R |
| Carlos Santana | Diamondbacks | 1B | S/R |
Outfielders
| Player | Team | Position | Bats/Throws |
| Oneil Cruz | Pirates | CF | L/R |
| Julio Rodriguez | Mariners | CF | R/R |
| Johan Rojas | Phillies | CF | R/R |
| Juan Soto | Mets | RF | L/L |
| Fernando Tatis Jr. | Padres | RF | R/R |
Dominican Republic players to watch
Take your pick — especially among the lineup.
Juan Soto is arguably the biggest star of all, the owner of a $700 million contract with the Mets for a reason. However, baseball fans will also be well-familiar with Guerrero, who just led the Blue Jays to the verge of a World Series title last October.
Manny Machado, Julio Rodriguez, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Ketel Marte all bring some added flare, while Caminero is one of the biggest power threats in the entire WBC.
If you're looking for someone to step up for this loaded team, it's Alcantara or Sanchez. Both are proven in MLB, but will need to put forth some big performances if the Dominican Republic is going to make a deep run.
Who is coaching the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic?
The stardom surrounding the Dominican Republic's roster extends to its coaching staff. Albert Pujols, the future Hall of Famer, has taken over at the helm of the national program.
Pujols took the position over from Rodney Linares, and he managed Leones del Escogido in the Dominican Winter League (LIDOM) in the 2024-25 season — which all led to him getting a few mentions for MLB manager vacancies this past offseason, although nothing materialized.
Pujols will be looking to bring the Dominican Republic a second WBC title as likely the most well-known manager in the tournament.
Dominican Republic World Baseball Classic history
The Dominican Republic remains one of just three countries to have won the World Baseball Classic, having defeated Puerto Rico 3-0 in the 2013 final.
It has made it to the semifinal round twice, and been bounced in the first round one time back in 2009, when it was pooled with the Netherlands, Puerto Rico, and Panama. The Dominican Republic went undefeated in its championship run in 2013, giving up a total of just 14 runs over eight games.
However, the country is also coming off its briefest WBC run ever, failing to advance past a tough pool group in the 2023 tournament.
| Year | Result | Final game |
| 2006 | Finished in fourth place | 3-1 loss to Cuba |
| 2009 | Eliminated in pools | 2-1 loss to Netherlands |
| 2013 | Won Championship | 3-0 win over Puerto Rico |
| 2017 | Eliminated in second round | 6-3 loss to USA |
| 2023 | Eliminated in first round | 5-2 loss to Puerto Rico |
Dominican Republic World Baseball Classic 2026 schedule
The Dominican Republic will be a part of a strong Pool D in Miami, with its competitors being Venezuela, Netherlands, Israel and Nicaragua.
Here's a look at the Dominican Republic's WBC schedule.
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | Channel (U.S.) |
| March 6 | Nicaragua vs. Dominican Republic | 7 p.m. | FS1 |
| March 8 | Netherlands vs. Dominican Republic | 12 p.m. | FS2 |
| March 9 | Dominican Republic vs. Israel | 12 p.m. | FS2 |
| March 11 | Dominican Republic vs. Venezuela | 8 p.m. | FS2 |
English (US)