"The Los Angeles Dodgers figure to be well-represented in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, but to this point only have one confirmed participated in Shohei Ohtani, who announced plans to play for Team Japan as they look to repeat as champions. Although they haven't formally committed yet, Mookie Betts and Will Smith could both return to the international competition as well with Team USA. They were part of the 2023 United States roster that lost to Japan in the championship game."
"During an appearance on "On Base With Mookie Betts" podcast, Hernández said he's interested in playing in the 2026 WBC and wants to help lead Team Dominican Republic to a championship: "Yeah, for sure. Representing your country is the best thing you can do as an athlete. ... That's the ultimate step. I won in the Winter League in the Dominican, I won in the Minor Leagues, I won in the World Series. So now I want to win in the WBC.""
"Team Dominican Republic went 2-2 in pool play in the last World Baseball Classic and failed to advance to the quarterfinals. It was a disappointing outcome for the Dominican Republic, which won the WBC in 2013 with a star-studded roster that included Robinson Canó, Nelson Cruz, Edwin Encarnación, José Reyes and Hanley Ramírez, among others. Team Dominican Republic will look for better results next year as part of Pool D, when they face the likes of Venezuela, the Netherlands, Israel and Nicaragua."
Several Los Angeles Dodgers players are expected to feature in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, with Shohei Ohtani already confirmed for Team Japan. Mookie Betts and Will Smith remain possible additions for Team USA after appearing on the 2023 roster. Freddie Freeman could represent Canada, and Teoscar Hernández has expressed interest in playing for the Dominican Republic and pursuing a WBC title. The Dominican Republic went 2-2 in the previous tournament and missed the quarterfinals despite winning in 2013. Pool D opponents include Venezuela, the Netherlands, Israel and Nicaragua. The tournament runs March 5–17, 2026, with the final at loanDepot Park in Miami.
Read at Dodger Blue
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