Overview
- Juan Soto officially announced his decision to represent the Dominican Republic in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, marking his second appearance in the tournament.
- The announcement was first reported by Periódico Hoy and later confirmed by Talkin’ Baseball, solidifying Soto’s commitment to his national team.
- Soto previously excelled in the 2023 WBC, hitting .400 with two home runs, though the Dominican Republic did not advance past the group stage.
- Aaron Judge, Soto’s former Yankees teammate in 2024, is anticipated to captain Team USA, potentially setting up a high-profile matchup on the international stage.
- Soto’s decision comes during his first season with the Mets, following his record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract signed in the offseason.