Spanish
Santo Domingo – The leadership and trajectory of Manny Machado place him as the main candidate to assume the captaincy of the Dominican Republic team that will compete in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, as announced by the team's general manager, Nelson Cruz.
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During a conversation with media and fans after the official unveiling of the tournament rosters, Cruz noted that management is formally evaluating the designation of the star third baseman, highlighting his experience, commitment, and ascendancy within the clubhouse. "For the time he's been here, the leadership he has shown throughout this process and in recent years, we understand that it should be Manny Machado," Cruz said when asked who will wear the captain's armband. Machado, one of the most consistent figures in Major League Baseball in the last decade, has been a key player in previous processes of the Dominican selection and represents a voice of respect both on and off the field. The eventual designation of Machado as captain would reinforce the internal leadership approach of the Quisqueyan team, which will seek to regain the World Baseball Classic crown with a combination of talent, experience, and group cohesion.
