The Dominican Republic's baseball team is set to welcome back one of its most talented players for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Juan Soto, a Mets slugger, has confirmed his intention to play for his home country once again, joining a star-studded lineup that already includes Julio Rodríguez, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Ketel Marte. But here's where it gets exciting: the team has also announced the additions of Athletics starter Luis Severino and Pirates reliever Dennis Santana, both of whom will be participating in the World Baseball Classic for the first time this year.
Soto's performance in the 2023 WBC was nothing short of impressive. Despite his team not advancing past the pool stage, he showcased his skills with a .400 batting average, two home runs, and a 1.500 OPS. This year, the 27-year-old is off to a strong start with the Mets, already surpassing his previous career highs in home runs and stolen bases. His 2025 season saw him lead the Majors in walks for the fourth time, earning him the Silver Slugger award and a top-three finish in the National League MVP voting.
Severino, who joined the Athletics last offseason, had a solid debut season with a 3.92 ERA over 10 seasons. He peaked with consecutive All-Star selections as a member of the Yankees in 2017-18. Santana, on the other hand, found a new home with the Pirates after a few seasons of bouncing around. He has been a key reliever for the team, posting a 2.28 ERA over 109 appearances.
The Dominican Republic squad will begin its journey in Pool D on March 6 at 7 p.m. ET, facing off against Nicaragua at loanDepot park in Miami. With such a talented roster, the team is sure to be a force to be reckoned with in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
