Dominicans shine in MLB's elite: 16 are among the top 100 and three in the top 10 for 2026

SANTO DOMINGO.– The Dominican Republic once again confirmed its historical weight in Major League Baseball by placing 16 players in the ranking of the 100 best players of today, prepared by MLB Network for the 2026 season, a list that evaluates the recent performance and projection of the players. You may be interested in: Mets acquire Freddy Peralta in trade with the Brewers Within that select group, three Dominicans managed to place among the top ten positions of the list: José Ramírez, who appears in the fifth position, followed by Juan Soto in the sixth position and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., tenth. The Dominican presence grew compared to the previous edition with new incorporations such as Geraldo Perdomo, Cristopher Sánchez, Jeremy Peña, Elly de la Cruz, Freddy Peralta and Framber Valdez. The ranking was once again headed by the Japanese player Shohei Ohtani, while the top 5 is completed by Aaron Judge, Bobby Witt Jr., Cal Raleigh and José Ramírez. Regarding Latin American representation, Venezuela contributed seven players, Cuba three, Puerto Rico two and Panama one.

Dominicans in the Top 100 of MLB Network (2026)

• 5. José Ramírez, 3B, Guardians (2025: 9)
• 6. Juan Soto, RF, Mets (2025: 4)
• 10. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., 1B, Blue Jays (2025: 13)
• 15. Fernando Tatis Jr., RF, Padres (2025: 22)
• 16. Julio Rodríguez, CF, Mariners (2025: 23)
• 19. Ketel Marte, 2B, D-backs (2025: 18)
• 24. Geraldo Perdomo, SS, D-backs (did not appear in 2025)
• 29. Cristopher Sánchez, SP, Phillies (did not appear in 2025)
• 34. Manny Machado, 3B, Padres (2025: 29)
• 39. Junior Caminero, 3B, Rays (did not appear in 2025)
• 46. Rafael Devers, DH, Giants (2025: 21)
• 49. Jeremy Peña, SS, Astros (did not appear in 2025)
• 52. Elly de la Cruz, SS, Reds (did not appear in 2025)
• 63. Freddy Peralta, SP, Mets (did not appear in 2025)
• 80. Framber Valdez, SP, free agent (2025: 45)
• 86. Willy Adames, SS, Giants (2025: 41)

The production and research team at MLB Network made this classification using a methodology different from “The Shredder”, a system used by the network to rank the best players by position.

High-Impact Seasons

For José Ramírez, this is the fourth time he appears among the top ten and the first time in the top 5, after completing his third 30-30 season (30 home runs and 44 stolen bases). He was a finalist for the Most Valuable Player for the fourth time, reached his seventh All-Star Game selection and obtained his sixth Silver Slugger. Meanwhile, Juan Soto made his mark in his first year with the Mets by leading Major League Baseball in walks for the fourth time, recording an on-base percentage of .396, hitting 43 home runs, and adding 38 stolen bases, becoming the first player in the franchise to achieve a season of 40 home runs and 35 steals. For his part, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. signed a historic contract extension of 14 years and US$500 million, led the Blue Jays to their first divisional title in a decade and shone in the postseason with a batting average of .397 and eight home runs, being chosen Most Valuable Player of the American League Championship Series.