Team USA and the Dominican Republic are among the strong contenders to win the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Both teams possess incredible MLB talent and it’s tough to choose a winner.
On Wednesday, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal tried doing so. Rosenthal highlighted big names such as Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, Julio Rodriguez, Ketel Marte and Geraldo Perdomo on the Dominican Republic team, citing that they can match Team USA’s offense.
“And their lineup is every bit as dangerous, if not more dangerous, than Team USA’s. And who am I talking about? I’m talking about Vlad Jr. and Tatis and Manny Machado and Julio Rodriguez and Ketel Marte and Geraldo Perdomo, on and on and on. And you might say, okay, but they can’t pitch with the U.S. I’m not so sure about that either.”
He also shut down the idea that Team USA is far ahead in pitching because the Dominican Republic also has some big names on their roster too.
“It’s Christopher Sanchez at the top of the rotation,” Rosenthal added. “It’s Brayan Bello from the Red Sox, Luis Severino. And overall, this is a team that really can do some things in this tournament because of what they have offensively. So I do like them, and I would think, along with Team USA, they are one of the favorites right now.”
Team USA and Dominican Republic 2026 WBC Schedule
Team USA and the Dominican Republic are both in different pools, Pool B and Pool D, respectively.
With the USA, Pool B also includes Brazil, Mexico, and Great Britain. Their games will be played in Daikin Park, Houston. Here’s Team USA’s schedule:
Mar 6, 2026 USA vs Brazil
Mar 7, 2026 USA vs Great Britain
Mar 9, 2026 USA vs Mexico
Mar 10, 2026 USA vs Italy
In order to qualify for the next round, Team USA must finish inside top two.
Dominican Republic’s Pool D also includes Nicaragua, Netherlands, Israel, and Venezuela. Their games will be played at loanDepot Mark in Miami. Here’s the Dominican Republic’s schedule:
Mar 6, 2026 Dominican Republic vs Nicaragua
Mar 8, 2026 Dominican Republic vs Netherlands
Mar 9, 2026 Dominican Republic vs Israel
Mar 11, 2026 Dominican Republic vs Venezuela
The pool stage games will be followed by the quarterfinals round, which will start on March 13.
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