Miami, Florida – The Dominican Republic is assembling a powerhouse roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, and on Friday, January 30, MLB.com announced the addition of Seattle Mariners superstar Julio Rodríguez to their already impressive lineup. This instantly elevates the Dominican Republic to a tournament favorite, sparking excitement among fans eager to witness a clash of baseball titans.
Dominican Republic Bolsters Roster with Rodríguez, Rosario, and Pitching Power
The Dominican Republic’s World Baseball Classic roster is quickly becoming a who’s who of Major League Baseball talent.
- Julio Rodríguez joins Fernando Tatis Jr. and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. on a stacked Dominican roster.
- Amed Rosario and relievers Carlos Estevez and Gregory Soto were also added to the team.
- The Dominican Republic will open Group D play against Nicaragua on March 6 at loanDepot park in Miami.
Rodríguez, a dynamic outfielder, joins a Dominican squad already boasting established stars like Fernando Tatis Jr. and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. The 2023 All-Star is coming off a stellar season with the Mariners, where he hit 32 home runs and stole 30 bases, finishing sixth in American League Most Valuable Player voting. He’s been selected to the All-Star Game in three of his first four major league campaigns.
What are the Dominican Republic’s chances of winning the World Baseball Classic? With a lineup featuring Rodríguez, Tatis Jr., and Guerrero Jr., they are widely considered among the top contenders, aiming to improve upon their group-stage exit in the 2023 tournament.
Beyond Rodríguez, the Dominican Republic added versatile infielder Amed Rosario, who recently signed with the New York Yankees after batting .303 in a brief stint, and a pair of formidable relievers. Carlos Estevez, who finished 2025 with a sparkling 2.45 ERA and a league-leading 42 saves, will anchor the bullpen. Gregory Soto, a two-time All-Star, brings experience and a 4.18 ERA in 60.1 innings pitched across two teams.
Rodríguez previously represented the Dominican Republic in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, going 5-for-18 with a double, three RBIs, and nine strikeouts. Despite his individual performance, the team failed to advance beyond the group stage, a result they’re determined to avenge.
The Dominican Republic will begin their 2026 tournament journey in Group D, facing Nicaragua on March 6 at loanDepot park in Miami. They enter the competition as strong favorites to advance and contend for the championship.
