Reds' Elly De La Cruz Will Play in 2026 WBC, per Dominican Republic's Albert Pujols

Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz will suit up for Team Dominican Republic in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, according to former MLB star and DR manager Albert Pujols.

The Dominican Republic previously won the WBC in 2013, but the team wrapped up a 2023 event in which it was surprisingly eliminated in the first round.

De La Cruz will now be joining a 2026 squad looking for redemption, already featuring plenty of MLB talent including Geraldo Perdomo, Junior Caminero and Sandy Alcantara.

As for the Reds star, he'll be making his first WBC appearance. De La Cruz is coming off another strong season in 2025, earning his second consecutive All-Star nod.

He hit .264 with 22 home runs, 31 doubles, 37 stolen bases and 86 RBI while playing in all 162 games. De La Cruz also posted a .777 OPS.

Pool play in the 2026 World Baseball Classic will begin on March 5.