Mets' Juan Soto to Play for Dominican Republic in World Baseball Classic, Joins Vlad Jr. on Roster

The Dominican Republic will have even more star power in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

On Sunday, the New York Mets announced slugger Juan Soto will play for his country in the event:

Soto will join the likes of Fernando Tatis Jr. and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. on a roster that is loaded with major league talent.

Those are the headliners, but the roster also includes Oneil Cruz, Cristopher Sánchez, Sandy Alcantara, Seranthony Domínguez, Carlos Santana, Brayan Bello and Yainer Diaz.

Soto adds plenty of power to the lineup considering he is one of the best hitters in the entire sport. His resume includes a World Series title, a Home Run Derby championship, a batting title, six Silver Sluggers and four All-Star selections.

The 2025 season was his first with the Mets, and he slashed .263/.396/.525 with 43 home runs, 105 RBI and 38 stolen bases. It was the second straight year he launched more than 40 long balls and his third straight year with more than 100 RBI.

While there will be plenty of star power in this year's World Baseball Classic, the trio of Soto, Guerrero and Tatis will be among the most difficult for opposing pitchers to deal with throughout the tournament.

It should give the Dominican Republic the opportunity to add another title after it won the event in 2013 with players such as Santana, Robinson Canó, José Reyes, Edwin Encarnación and Nelson Cruz.

Japan is the reigning champion from 2023 and also won in 2006 and 2009, while the United States won in 2017.

The Dominican Republic begins its 2026 World Baseball Classic on March 6 against Nicaragua.