The Dominican Republic is no stranger to the World Baseball Classic (WBC). The nation has established itself as a formidable force in the tournament, having won the 2013 edition and reaching the semifinals in the 2017 edition. The team is made up of some of the most talented players in the world, and the 2023 edition is no different. The Dominican Republic is currently in the process of finalizing their roster for the 2023 WBC. Here is a look at who will be representing the country in the tournament.
Juan Soto - Outfield
Juan Soto is one of the most promising young stars in the MLB. The outfielder has already established himself as one of the league’s best, earning two All-Star selections and two Silver Slugger awards in only three seasons. Soto is a rare five-tool player, possessing an impressive combination of speed, power, and hitting ability. His presence in the Dominican Republic’s lineup will be a major boost for the team.
Nelson Cruz - Designated Hitter
Nelson Cruz has been one of the most consistent hitters in the MLB for the past decade. The designated hitter is a six-time All-Star and five-time Silver Slugger award winner. He has also been a key contributor in playoff runs, as evidenced by his .330 batting average and .996 OPS in the 2019 World Series. He will undoubtedly be a leader for the Dominican Republic in the 2023 WBC.
Luis Severino - Starting Pitcher
Luis Severino has been one of the most dominant pitchers in the game since he debuted in the league in 2015. The right-hander has earned two All-Star selections and finished in the top five in the Cy Young voting in two separate seasons. He has also been a key contributor in the playoffs, as evidenced by his 2.45 ERA in the 2017 ALCS. He will be a major asset for the Dominican Republic in the 2023 WBC.
Alex Colome - Relief Pitcher
Alex Colome is one of the most reliable relievers in the game. The right-hander has been a consistent performer since he debuted in the league in 2014, earning two All-Star selections and two saves titles. He has also been a key contributor in the playoffs, as evidenced by his 0.00 ERA in the 2016 World Series. He will be a major boost for the Dominican Republic in the 2023 WBC.
Manny Machado - Infield
Manny Machado is one of the most talented players in the game. The infielder is a four-time All-Star, two-time Gold Glove winner, and one-time Silver Slugger award winner. He has also been a key contributor in the playoffs, as evidenced by his .304 batting average and .898 OPS in the 2018 World Series. He will be a major asset for the Dominican Republic in the 2023 WBC.
Yadier Molina - Catcher
Yadier Molina is one of the most decorated players in the game. The catcher is a nine-time All-Star, eight-time Gold Glove winner, and two-time Silver Slugger award winner. He has also been a key contributor in the playoffs, as evidenced by his .347 batting average and .958 OPS in the 2013 NLCS. He will be a major asset for the Dominican Republic in the 2023 WBC.
Aroldis Chapman - Relief Pitcher
Aroldis Chapman is one of the most dominant relievers in the game. The left-hander has earned six All-Star selections and three saves titles since he debuted in the league in 2010. He has also been a key contributor in the playoffs, as evidenced by his 0.98 ERA in the 2016 World Series. He will be a major boost for the Dominican Republic in the 2023 WBC.
Robinson Cano - Infield
Robinson Cano is one of the most accomplished players in the game. The infielder is an eight-time All-Star, five-time Silver Slugger award winner, and four-time Gold Glove winner. He has also been a key contributor in the playoffs, as evidenced by his .341 batting average and .927 OPS in the 2015 ALCS. He will be a major asset for the Dominican Republic in the 2023 WBC.
Conclusion
The Dominican Republic is set to have an impressive roster in the 2023 WBC. The team is stacked with talent, featuring some of the most accomplished players in the game. The team is looking to make a deep run in the tournament and win their second championship. With the players they have assembled, they have a great chance of doing just that.