Dominican Republic Brings Star-Studded Roster to 2026 World Baseball Classic

The Dominican Republic national baseball team is among the favorites to win the 2026 WBC title.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 3:31pm

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The Dominican Republic is looking to end its World Baseball Classic title drought dating back to 2013 with a star-studded roster for the 2026 tournament. Led by 2022 NL Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara and 2025 NL Cy Young runner-up Cristopher Sánchez on the mound, and a lineup featuring Juan Soto, Fernando Tatis Jr., Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Manny Machado, the Dominican Republic enters the 2026 WBC as one of the favorites to win the championship.

Why it matters

The Dominican Republic national baseball team has not won the World Baseball Classic since 2013, and is determined to reclaim the title with its loaded 2026 roster. As one of the top contenders, the Dominican Republic's performance in the tournament will be closely watched by baseball fans around the world.

The details

The Dominican Republic's 2026 WBC roster is stacked with top MLB talent, including 2022 NL Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara and 2025 NL Cy Young runner-up Cristopher Sánchez leading the pitching staff. The lineup features a mix of young superstars like Juan Soto, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., along with veteran team captain Manny Machado. After failing to finish in the top four since their 2013 title, the Dominican Republic is determined to regain the WBC crown.

  • The Dominican Republic will begin its 2026 WBC campaign on March 6 at 7 p.m. ET against Nicaragua in Miami.
  • The 2026 World Baseball Classic is scheduled to take place in March 2026.

The players

Sandy Alcantara

A 2022 National League Cy Young winner who will anchor the Dominican Republic's pitching rotation.

Cristopher Sánchez

The 2025 National League Cy Young runner-up, Sánchez will provide additional strength to the Dominican Republic's pitching staff.

Juan Soto

One of the top young stars in MLB, Soto will be a key part of the Dominican Republic's potent lineup.

Fernando Tatis Jr.

The dynamic shortstop will bring his talents to the Dominican Republic's star-studded roster.

Manny Machado

The veteran team captain will provide leadership and experience to the Dominican Republic's quest for the 2026 WBC title.

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What’s next

The Dominican Republic will begin its 2026 WBC campaign on March 6 at 7 p.m. ET against Nicaragua in Miami.

The takeaway

The Dominican Republic's loaded 2026 World Baseball Classic roster, featuring a mix of young superstars and veteran leadership, makes them one of the favorites to win the tournament and end their title drought dating back to 2013.