The Dominican Republic isn’t entering the World Baseball Classic for redemption.
Under Manny Machado’s leadership, the mission is brutally simple: win it all.

Rewritten Article

Manny Machado Sends Clear Message to Dominican Republic at 2026 WBC: Winning Is Everything

As the Dominican Republic gathered for its first official workouts at loanDepot park ahead of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, attention quickly centered on one figure standing at the heart of the roster.

Manny Machado.

The San Diego Padres superstar has been named captain of Team Dominican Republic, marking his third appearance in the tournament after competing in both 2017 and 2023.

But this time, Machado isn’t focused on the past.

He’s focused on one thing.

Winning.

A Leader With One Goal

For a baseball powerhouse like the Dominican Republic, anything short of a championship feels like a disappointment.

Despite consistently fielding some of the most talented rosters in international baseball, the Dominican squad has fallen short in recent tournaments — including a stunning early elimination in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

That memory still lingers among fans.

But Machado made it clear the team isn’t carrying that baggage into this year’s tournament.

“I don’t even think about that,” Machado said. “That’s all in the past. We are thinking about the team that we have right now and just play our game.”

Still, the message he delivered afterward was unmistakable.

“At the end of the day, the most important thing is to win.”

For Machado, the captain’s role goes beyond statistics or star power.

It’s about setting the emotional tone for a nation that expects excellence every time its players step on the field.

Entering the Tournament in Strong Form

Machado arrives at the 2026 WBC following another productive season with the San Diego Padres, continuing to prove why he remains one of the most consistent hitters in Major League Baseball.

His 2025 numbers tell the story:

• .275 batting average
• .335 on-base percentage
• .460 slugging percentage
• 27 home runs
• 95 RBIs
• 123 wRC+

The performance reaffirmed Machado’s place among the game’s elite players — and strengthened the Dominican Republic’s already loaded lineup.

During the 2023 WBC, Machado delivered two home runs in just four games.

But the team’s early exit overshadowed those performances, making this year’s tournament feel unfinished.

A Homecoming in Santo Domingo

Before official WBC games begin, the Dominican squad will experience a special moment.

The team is scheduled to play two exhibition games in Santo Domingo against the Detroit Tigers, offering players the rare opportunity to perform in front of their home crowd.

For many Dominican stars who spend most of the year playing in the United States, the event carries enormous emotional weight.

Pitchers Luis Severino and Brayan Bello are expected to start those games.

Machado admitted the moment will be difficult to put into words.

“I don’t even have words to explain what that moment will be like,” he said. “To play in front of fans who always support us… it’s something special.”

For Dominican players, those games represent more than preparation.

They represent pride.

The Tournament Begins

The real challenge begins soon.

The Dominican Republic will open Pool D play on Friday, March 6, facing Nicaragua at 7:00 p.m.

Left-hander Christopher Sánchez is scheduled to take the mound for the Dominican team, while Nicaragua will counter with veteran pitcher Erasmo Ramírez.

Expectations are enormous.

The Dominican roster is filled with major league stars, elite pitching talent, and offensive firepower capable of dominating any opponent.

But talent alone doesn’t guarantee championships.

That’s where Machado’s leadership becomes critical.

The Tone of a Contender

As captain, Machado understands what the tournament represents for his country.

Fans expect intensity.
Fans expect pride.
Fans expect victory.

And Machado isn’t shying away from those expectations.

His message to the team — and to the world — is simple.

This tournament isn’t about highlight moments or individual accolades.

It’s about results.

Because for the Dominican Republic, one outcome defines success.

Winning it all.