Soto puts on the colors of his country again for the 2026 World Baseball Classic

Santo Domingo. – Juan Soto, who received the Juan Marichal Award for the second time as the best Dominican baseball player in the Major Leagues, confirmed that he will wear the national colors again in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

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The New York Mets’ star outfielder made the announcement during the award ceremony, when asked about his availability to join the national team. “Everyone already knows that answer… we are ready,” Soto said. With his confirmation, the leader of the Dominican team, Albert Pujols, adds one of the main figures of world baseball to the Classic project. The announcement takes on greater relevance after it was recently announced that shortstop Elly de la Cruz will not be able to participate for physical reasons. Soto, who holds the highest contract in the history of professional sports, thanked the support received from the Dominican public during his first season with the Mets. The outfielder noted that representing the country was always among his plans. “I always wanted to wear the Dominican Republic uniform. When I was a child, I represented the country on several occasions and wanted to relive that experience,” said the 26-year-old player. He also recalled that in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, he participated despite facing physical discomfort, driven by his commitment to the national team.

Díaz confirms availability

Catcher Yainer Díaz, of the Houston Astros, also confirmed his intention to represent the country in the World Baseball Classic, accepting the call of the homeland. “Yes, I am willing to participate. Albert Pujols already spoke with me and we are positive about that,” said Díaz, who is emerging as one of the main options for the national team’s catching position. After receiving more than 15,800 pitches during the past Major League season, Díaz is currently preparing with the Leones del Escogido in the autumn-winter tournament, as part of his conditioning process. With these confirmations, the Dominican selection already has two guaranteed outfielders (Juan Soto and Fernando Tatis Jr.), a third baseman (Manny Machado) and a projected starting catcher in Díaz. The Azuan catcher highlighted the emotion he felt upon receiving Pujols’ personal call and announced that both will continue in contact to coordinate defensive work, a position in which Agustín Ramírez and Samuel Basallo are also alternatives. Both Soto and Díaz are in the Dominican Republic training. Soto, who closed out 2025 with his sixth consecutive Silver Slugger, his second All-MLB Team selection, and the best offensive WAR in the National League (7.0), is awaiting authorization to join the Tigres del Licey. Díaz, for his part, has already participated in four encounters with the Escogido, standing out with a two-run home run in his debut during the 15-1 victory against the Tigres, on the ninth.