The strongest of the four groups in the 2026 World Baseball Classic is Pool D and will assemble at loanDepot park in Miami. One team (maybe two) could end up playing the first and last game of the two-week tournament in the same city.
The top two teams in Pool D will advance to the quarterfinals, with the championship game March 17.
Here is how the five-country pool breaks down:
Dominican Republic
WBC appearance: Sixth.
Best finish: Won the 2013 championship, beating Puerto Rico 3-0.
What to expect: Always bringing one of the strongest rosters to the WBC, the Dominicans are coming off a tremendously disappointing 2023 tournament in which they failed to advance from pool play for the second time in event history. Now with three-time MVP Albert Pujols as the manager, the 2013 champions can field a batting order that resembles an All-Star team. Juan Soto (New York Mets), Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Toronto Blue Jays), Julio Rodríguez (Seattle Mariners), Manny Machado (San Diego Padres), Fernando Tatis Jr. (Padres), Ketel Marte, (Arizona Diamondbacks), Junior Caminero (Tampa Bay Rays), Oneil Cruz (Pittsburgh Pirates) and Jeremy Peña (Houston Astros). The same can be said for the pitching staff, led by Cristopher Sánchez (Philadelphia Phillies), Sandy Alcantara (Miami Marlins), Brayan Bello (Boston Red Sox), Carlos Estévez (Kansas City Royals), Abner Uribe (Milwaukee Brewers) and Camilo Doval (New York Yankees). It would be a nightmare scenario if the Dominican Republic doesn’t advance from this pool. A titanic matchup with Venezuela to wrap up pool play on March 11 will be the must-see game.
Israel
WBC appearance: Third.
Best finish: Went 1-2 in the second round of pool play in 2017.
What to expect: After a surprising performance in its WBC debut in 2017, going 3-0 in pool play, the team went 1-3 in what is essentially the same bracket as 2023 (with the Netherlands replacing Puerto Rico). There are MLB players dotting this roster, with San Francisco Giants center fielder Harrison Bader leading the way. With a lack of offensive star power, Israel will depend on its pitching to compete with the heavyweights in Miami. This collection of arms won’t wow you, but does have a handful of MLB regulars (Dean Kremer of the Baltimore Orioles, Tommy Kahnle, Matt Bowman of the Minnesota Twins) that could help make things interesting.
Netherlands
WBC appearance: Sixth.
Best finish: Lost in the semifinals twice, 4-1 to the Dominican Republic in 2013 and 4-1 to Puerto Rico in 2017.
What to expect: An unfortunate tiebreaker loser in 2023 after all five teams finished with 2-2 records, the Netherlands doesn’t catch a break this time around with this group. Always with a handful of MLB position players — this year with Atlanta second baseman Ozzie Albies, Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts, Boston Red Sox outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela, Atlanta outfielder Jurickson Profar and Detroit Tigers closer Kenley Jansen — and a few other notable names — prospect outfielder Druw Jones, infielder Didi Gregorius and right-hander Shairon Martis — the Netherlands has enough talent to pull off a surprise in a short tournament.
Nicaragua
WBC appearance: Second.
Best finish: Went 0-4 in its debut in 2023.
What to expect: There is a little bit of talent here, but Nicaragua faces an uphill battle as probably the fifth team in this group of five (I don’t want to say worst with this type of competition. In another group, Nicaragua might have a chance). Never write off a team with Dusty Baker as the manager. New York Mets third baseman Mark Vientos is the top position player and the pitching staff as a mix of young and old arms that could produce one and maybe two wins.
Venezuela
WBC appearance: Sixth.
Best finish: Lost to South Korea 10-3 in the 2009 semifinals.
What to expect: From a position player perspective, Venezuela can roll out a lineup that can compete with any other country. The pitching might be a little suspect, more with the loss of Minnesota Twins right-hander Pablo López to Tommy John surgery. Left-handers Ranger Suárez (Boston Red Sox) and Eduardo Rodriguez (Arizona Diamondbacks) will be the top starters, with the bullpen led by right-handers Daniel Palencia (Chicago Cubs) and Keider Montero (Detroit Tigers). That could be enough for a lineup that features William Contreras (Milwaukee Brewers) and Salvador Perez (Kansas City Royals) behind the plate, Ronald Acuña Jr. (Atlanta), Jackson Chourio (Brewers), Willson Contreras (Red Sox), Maikel Garcia (Royals), Eugenio Suárez (Cincinnati Reds), Andrés Giménez (Blue Jays), Luis Arraez (San Francisco Giants) and Wilyer Abreu (Red Sox).
