Dominican Republic stars Soto and Tatis unveil WBC homer celebration

The former Padres teammates are bringing their chemistry to the World Baseball Classic.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Juan Soto and Fernando Tatis Jr., two of the Dominican Republic's biggest stars, have unveiled a new choreographed home run celebration as they prepare for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The former San Diego Padres teammates showcased their celebration during an exhibition game against the Detroit Tigers, which the Dominican Republic won 12-4.

Why it matters

The Dominican Republic boasts an incredibly talented roster for the upcoming WBC, with Soto and Tatis leading a star-studded lineup that also includes Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Ketel Marte, Manny Machado, and Julio Rodriguez. Their chemistry and camaraderie could give them a significant advantage over other top contenders like the United States and Japan.

The details

In the exhibition game, the Dominican Republic fell behind 3-0 early, but Soto's two-run homer in the fourth inning gave them a 6-4 lead that they would not relinquish. Soto finished the game 2-for-4 with 3 RBIs, while Tatis went 3-for-3 with 2 RBIs and a walk, setting the table for the powerful Dominican lineup.

  • The 2026 World Baseball Classic is scheduled to begin on March 6.
  • The Dominican Republic faced the Detroit Tigers in an exhibition game on Tuesday night.

The players

Juan Soto

A star outfielder who previously played for the San Diego Padres and is now representing the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic.

Fernando Tatis Jr.

A star shortstop who previously played for the San Diego Padres and is now representing the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

A star first baseman who is part of the Dominican Republic's stacked roster for the World Baseball Classic.

Ketel Marte

A star second baseman who is part of the Dominican Republic's stacked roster for the World Baseball Classic.

Manny Machado

A star third baseman who is part of the Dominican Republic's stacked roster for the World Baseball Classic.

Julio Rodriguez

A star outfielder who is part of the Dominican Republic's stacked roster for the World Baseball Classic.

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What they’re saying

“This home run celebration by Juan Soto and Fernando Tatis Jr. 🔥🔥”

— MLB (Twitter)

What’s next

The Dominican Republic will begin pool play in Group D of the 2026 World Baseball Classic on March 6 at LoanDepot Park.

The takeaway

The Dominican Republic's loaded roster, led by the dynamic duo of Juan Soto and Fernando Tatis Jr., could make them the team to beat in the 2026 World Baseball Classic as they aim to dethrone traditional powerhouses like the United States and Japan.