Carlos Santana, Brayan Bello, Yainer Díaz, and Carlos Estévez confirmed for the World Baseball Classic

SANTO DOMINGO. – The Dominican Baseball Federation (FEDOM) announced this Thursday that players Carlos Santana, Brayan Bello, Yainer Díaz, Seranthony Domínguez and pitcher Carlos Estevez have received the corresponding authorization to join the roster of the Dominican team that will compete in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

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With the inclusion of Bello, the opening corps continues to take shape alongside already confirmed names like Cristopher Sánchez and Sandy Alcántara, while Domínguez and Estévez reinforce a bullpen that will be decisive in a tournament characterized by pitching restrictions. For Seranthony Domínguez it will be his first experience in the World Baseball Classic, while Carlos Santana will play in the tournament for the third time, consolidating himself as one of the most veteran players on the team. The first baseman was a key piece of the historic undefeated championship achieved by the Dominican Republic in the 2013 edition. Domínguez, who recently signed with the Chicago White Sox after stints with the Baltimore Orioles and the Blue Jays, is coming off a solid 2025 season in which he recorded an ERA of 3.16 in 62.2 innings, with 79 strikeouts and two saves, being a reliable arm from the bullpen. For his part, Carlos Estévez, a reliever with extensive experience in Major Leagues, brings depth and stability to the Dominican bullpen, thanks to his history as a closer and setup man in high-pressure situations, key qualities in short competitions like the Classic. Santana closed out the 2025 season between the Cleveland Guardians and the Chicago Cubs, standing out defensively by finishing as a finalist for the Gold Glove award. His projected role will be to provide leadership, defense, and depth at first base, backing up Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as needed by manager Albert Pujols. In the case of Yainer Díaz, he is called to be the starting catcher for the Dominican team, consolidating himself as the most consistent catcher the country has had in the Major Leagues during the last three seasons. These players join others already confirmed such as Fernando Tatis Jr., Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Oneil Cruz, Sandy Alcántara and Cristopher Sánchez, while the management of the national team continues to structure a competitive roster for the tournament to be held in March.