With the first World Baseball Classic Qualifiers over and both Chinese Taipei and Nicaragua advancing, players are beginning to decide whether to participate in 2026. According to Periodico Hoy República Dominicana, Juan Soto will be back representing the Dominican Republic.
The 26-year-old outfielder signed the largest contract in sports history, joining the New York Mets on a 15-year deal for $765 million. The journalist, Nuñez, stated, “I can reveal that we didn’t have to call Juan Soto; he called us and made himself available to wear the flag of the Dominican team.”
Soto played for the New York Yankees in 2024 after being traded from the San Diego Padres during the 2023 offseason. He played in 157 games, hitting 41 home runs and driving in 109 RBIs. He finished the year as an All-Star and won a Silver Slugger Award.
Now, it will be intriguing to see which other players from the Dominican Republic will look to join Soto for a shot at the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The Dominican Republic will be part of Pool D, which features Venezuela, the Netherlands, Israel, and one qualifying team. Pool D will be played from March 6-11, 2026, at loanDepot Park in Miami, Florida.
