Santo Domingo, R.D. — The Dominican Baseball Federation (FEDOM) officially announced the return of
Julio Rodríguez (J-Rod) to the national team that will represent the country in the
2026 World Baseball Classic, reaffirming the Dominican selection’s commitment to form an elite roster with a view to the championship.
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After the Japan Selection conquered its third World Classic title in the 2023 edition, multiple countries are preparing to prevent history from repeating itself in 2026. Among them is the Dominican Republic, which will have one of the deepest and most talented rosters in the tournament.
During the Winter Meetings held in Orlando, Florida, the general manager of the Dominican selection,
Nelson Cruz, along with the team’s manager for the 2026 Classic,
Albert Pujols, confirmed several of the names that will make up the official roster.
“Do you know how we are going to satisfy our fanbase? By winning the championship,” Pujols expressed during the meeting. “Anyone who knows about baseball understands that we must structure the best possible team to represent the country.”
Among the main confirmed figures are the teammates from the San Diego Padres, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado, who will once again share the field defending the Dominican colors. They are joined by Juan Soto and Julio Rodríguez, who together hit 75 home runs and drove in 198 runs during the 2025 MLB season, projecting themselves as fundamental pillars of the team’s outfield.
Also, FEDOM reported that the players
Carlos Santana, Brayan Bello, Yainer Díaz, Seranthony Domínguez, Carlos Estévez and Amed Rosario have received the corresponding authorization to join the roster of the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
These names join other already confirmed stars such as
Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Oneil Cruz, Sandy Alcántara and Cristopher Sánchez, further strengthening a selection that firmly aims for the title.
