World Baseball Classic confirms games between DR and Detroit on March 3 and 4 at Quisqueya Stadium

ORLANDO. – World Baseball Classic, Inc. announced that the Dominican Republic National Team will play a two-game series against the Detroit Tigers on March 3 and 4, 2026 at the Quisqueya Juan Marichal Stadium in Santo Domingo, as part of the pre-training schedule for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

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The event will be held in memory of the victims of the April 8, 2025 tragedy in Santo Domingo, for the benefit of the Dominican Red Cross.

Official Announcement at the Winter Meetings

The announcement was made this Tuesday, during the first day of the Winter Baseball Meetings, in a conference headed by:

• Robert D. Manfred, Jr., MLB Commissioner
• Nelson Cruz, seven-time All-Star, General Manager of the Dominican Republic National Team and Special Advisor to MLB Baseball Operations
• Albert Pujols, 11-time All-Star, three-time MVP and Manager of the Dominican Republic Team
• Kelvin Cruz, Minister of Sports, representing President Luis Abinader

The initiative arose when Nelson Cruz presented the proposal to Commissioner Manfred and President Abinader, who showed immediate support to bring the games to the Dominican Republic. This will be the first time in history that the Dominican Republic National Team will host a Major League Baseball club in the country for exhibition games.

A Purposeful Event

The games will be held in recognition of the victims of the tragic event of April 8, 2025, at the Jet Set club.
MLB and UEPA will make donations to the Dominican Red Cross as part of the event’s social commitment.

Official Statements

Robert D. Manfred, Jr., MLB Commissioner:
“The tragedy deeply affected the country and many members of the Baseball Family. These games allow us to honor those lives and support the Dominican Red Cross. We appreciate the leadership of President Abinader and Nelson Cruz for making this possible, as well as the Detroit Tigers for participating”.

Nelson Cruz, General Manager of Team RD:
“I thank MLB and President Abinader for their support of an event that allows us to unite as a country, honor those affected, and show what baseball represents for our nation”.

Kelvin Cruz, Minister of Sports:
“Baseball is an essential part of our identity. These games not only prepare the team for the Classic, but also allow us to pay tribute to the victims and support a humanitarian cause.”

Scott Harris, President of Baseball Operations for the Detroit Tigers:
“It’s an honor to compete in the Dominican Republic and participate in such a significant event. We hope this series brings comfort and joy, while raising funds for those who need it most.”

MLB History in DR

These games follow the 2024 series between the Red Sox and Rays in Santo Domingo and continue a tradition of MLB visits to the country that began in 1936.

Preparation for the 2026 World Baseball Classic

The Dominican Republic Selection will debut on March 6 against Nicaragua, in Miami, within Group D.
RD is the undefeated champion of the 2013 World Baseball Classic (8-0) and remains the foreign country with the most players on MLB Opening Day rosters, with 100 players in 2025.