WBC Team Preview: Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic may have the most formidable lineup in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Every spot in the starting nine is filled by one of baseball’s best players. Jeremy Pena and Oneil Cruz are two of the game’s most exciting players entering their prime years, and they are both likely on the team’s bench. While their rotation isn’t as deep as the top two teams, their pitching can pack a punch.

Notable Players

Their lineup is about as star-studded as it can get. Juan Soto, Julio Rodriguez, Fernando Tatis Jr., Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Ketel Marte, Geraldo Perdomo, Manny Machado, Austin Wells, and Junior Caminero. This is a lineup that would dominate in any World Series and is the true strength of Team Dominican Republic. Former Mets top prospect Amed Rosario is on the bench and young Marlins catcher Agustín Ramírez is a player to watch for a potential 2026 breakout.

On the pitching side, Cristopher Sánchez and Sandy Alcantara are the rotations one-two-punch. Coming off a strong second half, Alcantara will be a name to watch. Former Met Luis Severino will look for a bounce back in 2026 so it will be interesting to see if he made any pitch changes in the offseason. The bullpen is arguably stronger than the rotation with Carlos Estévez, Camilo Doval, Seranthony Domínguez, Edwin Uceta, and Abner Uribe among the players in relief.

Notable Coaches

Manager Albert Pujols is one of the few players in the history of the sport to hit 700 homers and in his career, won three MVPs, two Gold Gloves, six Silver Sluggers, and was an 11-time All-Star. He recently managed in the Dominican Professional Baseball League and will be managing there again in 2026. Plácido Polanco was a two-time All-Star and is a close personal friend of Pujols. Diamondbacks bullpen coach Wellington Cepeda will serve as the pitching coach and Astros minor league hitting coach Rene Rojas will serve as the hitting coach.

WBC History

Team Dominican Republic won the 2013 World Baseball Classic and will look to win it all again in 2026. That year, they went undefeated and five pitchers combined for a three-hit shutout in the championship game. They have taken part in five World Baseball Classics and will look to move further than 2023 where they failed to make it to the quarter finals.

Some notable players for past Team Dominican WBC teams are Albert Pujols, José Reyes, Alfonso Soriano, Adrian Beltre , Vladimir Guerrero, David Ortiz, Fernando Rodney, Carlos Santana, Nelson Cruz, Jeurys Familia, Robinson Canó, Starling Marte, Rafael Devers, and Teoscar Hernández.

Pool

Team Dominican Republic is in one of the more difficult pools in the WBC. They’ll be facing off against Teams Venezuela, Netherlands, Israel, and Nicaragua. It would be a true upset if they do not move forward, but their biggest challengers are Team Venezuela and Team Netherlands.

Their first game is Friday, March 6, against Team Nicaragua at Loan Depot Park in Miami.

For a ranking of all 20 teams by MMO, click here.

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