José Ramírez Set to Lead Star-Studded Dominican Republic Squad in 2026 World Baseball Classic
José Ramírez has been one of the most consistent and dynamic players in Major League Baseball for nearly a decade. And now, the Cleveland Guardians’ cornerstone will get the chance to showcase his talent on the global stage, suiting up for the Dominican Republic in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Ramírez’s résumé speaks for itself - five-time All-Star, four-time Silver Slugger, and a perennial MVP candidate. While he’s yet to capture that elusive MVP award or a World Series ring, this international opportunity offers him a new kind of spotlight: leading one of the most loaded rosters the WBC has ever seen.
The Dominican Republic isn’t just bringing talent to the tournament - they’re bringing thunder.
Let’s talk about this lineup.
Ramírez is penciled in at third base, and that’s no small statement considering Manny Machado - a six-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner - is coming off the bench. That alone tells you how much respect Ramírez commands in this lineup.
Joining him in the infield are Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at first, Ketel Marte at second, and Geraldo Perdomo at shortstop. That’s a mix of power, versatility, and defensive range. Guerrero Jr. brings elite pop, Marte is coming off a stellar postseason run, and Perdomo’s glove has quietly become one of the more reliable in the game.
The outfield? It’s a highlight reel waiting to happen.
Juan Soto, Julio Rodríguez, and Fernando Tatis Jr. will patrol the grass - three of the most electrifying players in baseball today. Soto’s plate discipline and raw power, Rodríguez’s all-around game, and Tatis Jr.’s athleticism make this trio a nightmare for opposing pitchers and a dream for fans.
At designated hitter, Junior Caminero adds even more firepower, while Yainer Diaz will handle catching duties. And anchoring the rotation is Sandy Alcantara, the 2022 NL Cy Young winner, who gives the Dominican Republic a legitimate ace to lead their pitching staff.
On paper, this Dominican squad looks like a juggernaut. They’ve got star power at every position, depth that most national teams can only dream of, and the kind of lineup that can put up crooked numbers in a hurry.
Of course, tournaments like the WBC are unpredictable - talent alone doesn’t guarantee a title. But there’s no denying that this group enters 2026 as the team to beat.
For Ramírez, it’s more than just another tournament. It’s a chance to represent his home country with pride, to lead a generation of Dominican stars, and to chase a championship on a different kind of stage. Guardians fans will no doubt be watching - and cheering - even if it means going up against Team USA.
Ramírez has always played the game with passion, energy, and a quiet intensity that teammates feed off of. Now, he gets to bring that same edge to a team that could go down as one of the greatest WBC rosters ever assembled.
The countdown to 2026 just got a lot more exciting.