If there’s going to be a conversation regarding the favorites for the 2023 World Baseball Classic, the Dominican Republic has to be in it. The baseball powerhouse is ready to win a second WBC championship, as the Dominican national team features a lot of household names and elite talent. Let’s go over this roster in more detail.

Related: A Look at Team Nicaragua for the 2023 World Baseball Classic

Pitchers

• Bryan Abreu
• Sandy Alcantara
• Ronel Blanco
• Génesis Cabrera
• Diego Castillo
• Roansy Contreras
• Johnny Cueto
• Enyel De Los Santos
• Camilo Doval
• Carlos Estevez
• Jarlín García
• Luis Garcia
• Yimi García
• Cristian Javier
• Rafael Montero
• Hector Neris
• Joel Payamps
• Gregory Soto
• César Valdez

The pitching staff for the Dominican Republic is deep, even if this group is sans a few other notable names. Reigning NL Cy Young award winner Sandy Alcantara is set to headline a strong rotation that is also set to include Cristian Javier, Johnny Cueto, and Roansy Contreras. All four are proven MLB starters, which bodes very well for this nation’s chances.

And for the bullpen, the Dominican national team will see Astros reliever Rafael Montero and Hector Neris be joined by two of the hardest-throwing relievers in the game today in Gregory Soto and Camilo Doval.

There are, however, some notable names from the Dominican Republic not set to be on this list. Fireballers Emmanuel Clase and Jhoan Duran will not be a part of this bullpen. Nor will the Dominican Republic have starters Freddy Peralta and Luis Castillo, both of whom have been among the league’s best pitchers in recent years.

Position Players

• Willy Adames (INF)
• Robinson Canó (INF)
• Nelson Cruz (OF)
• Rafael Devers (INF)
• Wander Franco (INF)
• Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (INF)*
• Teoscar Hernández (OF)
• Eloy Jimenez (OF)
• Manny Machado (INF)
• Ketel Marte (INF)
• Francisco Mejía (C)
• Jeremy Peña (INF)
• Julio Rodríguez (OF)
• Gary Sanchez (C)
• Jean Segura (INF)
• Juan Soto (OF)

*denoted injury and will not participate

It’s rather crazy to think that in March, baseball fans get a chance to see Teoscar Hernández, Julio Rodríguez, and Juan Soto in the same outfield. The Dominican Republic owns — at least in our opinion — the best outfield trio in this tournament, thanks to three outfielders that can mash seemingly at will when at the dish.

Not to mention, the infield will also be stacked. Power-hitters Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Rafael Devers are set to be joined by young star Wander Franco, Willy Adames, and NL MVP finalist Manny Machado.

The Dominican Republic lineup is set to be arguably the deepest one in the whole tournament, alongside Venezuela and the U.S. Sure, this lineup could be even better with Guardians superstar third baseman Jose Ramirez. But with Manny Machado and Rafael Devers as third base options, the Dominican Republic team should be just fine.

A favorite to win Pool D, the Dominican Republic appears in good position to try to win a second World Baseball Classic title. The Dominican Republic last won in 2013.