Fernando Tatis Jr. trusts that the DR will surpass Japan in the 2026 World Baseball Classic

SANTO DOMINGO. – San Diego Padres outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. expressed his confidence that the Dominican Republic will be able to defeat Japan if both teams face each other in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

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The stellar player acknowledged the quality of the Asian team, three-time champion of the tournament, but assured that Dominican talent will be decisive in an eventual clash between both powers. "They're a great team, but we're going to beat them," stated Tatis Jr. referring to the Japanese team, which has figures of the stature of Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

A Duel That Could Come True

Throughout the five previous editions of the tournament, Japan and the Dominican Republic have not met in a direct confrontation, although both countries usually start as favorites. However, the 2026 format increases the chances of them crossing paths in decisive phases, especially with the Japanese group projected to advance to the Miami round.

Japan has conquered the title on three occasions, while the Dominican Republic achieved a historic undefeated crown in 2013. The possibility of a clash between the two generates high expectations among fans and specialists.

The Expected Debut of Tatis Jr.

For Tatis Jr., the 2026 World Baseball Classic will mark his first participation in the event, after missing the previous edition due to injury and subsequent suspension. The player indicated that the tournament comes at an ideal moment in his career. "Playing in the World Baseball Classic is something you dream of since you were a child. I always wanted to have that experience and I feel that now is the right time," he expressed. The Dominican selection will seek to redeem itself after its elimination in the group stage in the last edition, one of the team's most discreet performances in the history of the tournament. With a squad that promises to bring together more stars than ever, the Quisqueyan team aspires to regain prominence and fight for the world championship again.