Fernando Tatis Jr. Confirmed to Participate in the World Baseball Classic

SANTO DOMINGO. – The Dominican Baseball Federation (FEDOM) officially confirmed the participation of star outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. with the national team that will compete in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, to be held from March 5 to 17 in various international venues.

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The announcement was endorsed by the player himself, who shared a post on his social media from the official account of the Dominican team, thus sealing his commitment to the tricolor team. It will be Tatis Jr.'s first participation in the main tournament of national baseball teams. The player of the San Diego Padres, considered one of the most complete talents in Major League Baseball, arrives at the Classic after consolidating a career marked by power, speed and defensive excellence. In seven MLB seasons, Tatis Jr. records annual averages close to 37 home runs and 29 stolen bases, numbers that reinforce his status as a five-tool player and project him as one of the main offensive weapons of the Dominican team.

The native of San Pedro de Macorís has been three-time All-Star, winner of two Silver Bats and two Platinum Gloves, the latter award accrediting him as the best overall defender in his league. His most outstanding season was in 2021, when he finished third in the voting for the National League Most Valuable Player. The presence of Tatis Jr. also represents a personal vindication, after being left out of the 2023 World Baseball Classic. On repeated occasions, the player has stated that representing the Dominican Republic is one of the greatest dreams of his professional career.

A Hierarchy Team

The Dominican selection will be led by Albert Pujols, who will take on the challenge after a successful experience as a manager in the Dominican League and the Caribbean Series. The general management will be headed by Nelson Cruz, while the coaching staff will have a special ingredient: Fernando Tatis Sr., father of the player, will serve as assistant manager and batting coach. The Dominican Republic will compete in Group D, based in loanDepot Park in Miami, along with Venezuela, Netherlands, Israel and Nicaragua, in a group classified as one of the most demanding of the tournament. With a team that is shaping up to be one of the most talented in the competition, the goal of the Dominican Republic team is clear: to return to the top of world baseball and repeat the historic feat of 2013, when they were crowned champions undefeated. The 2026 World Baseball Classic will also have venues in Houston, Tokyo, and San Juan, and the Dominican Republic is already starting as one of the big favorites for the title.