
via Imago
MLB, Baseball Herren, USA Houston Astros at San Diego Padres Sep 18, 2024 San Diego, California, USA San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado 13 celebrates after hitting a home run against the Houston Astros during the eighth inning at Petco Park. San Diego Petco Park California USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xOrlandoxRamirezx 20240918_ojr_rb5_028

via Imago
MLB, Baseball Herren, USA Houston Astros at San Diego Padres Sep 18, 2024 San Diego, California, USA San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado 13 celebrates after hitting a home run against the Houston Astros during the eighth inning at Petco Park. San Diego Petco Park California USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xOrlandoxRamirezx 20240918_ojr_rb5_028
After months of watching MLB franchises slug it out in the regular season, baseball is preparing for a seismic shift, from club loyalties to national pride. Yes, the 2026 World Baseball Classic is on the horizon. A tournament where the roar of the crowd takes on a different tone and the home run heroes of summer suddenly become the rivals fans love to challenge. It’s one of the rare times American fans won’t erupt for a Shohei Ohtani blast or a Juan Soto rocket down the line. This is because when the WBC hits, allegiances realign with flags, not franchises.
Beyond the dazzling highlight reels and the international pride, the WBC brings something else uniquely compelling: the mixing of superstars in ways MLB never could. Where else do we get to see dugout banter between players who usually battle across divisions? Or all-star teammates sharing a locker room, not for a contract, but for a country?
Now, one of the most fascinating storylines heading into 2026 involves the Dominican Republic, specifically the battle surrounding third base. With Rafael Devers, Manny Machado, and Jose Ramirez all potentially available and in prime form, the hot corner could become the hottest topic of the WBC. Will ego or camaraderie prevail? If recent words from Ramirez are any indication, the answer may lie more in unity than in rivalry.
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“Forget about the Machado issue. I love him. I’m going to the Clásico, no matter what,” Ramirez shared his thoughts about Machado. “Leave those problems and that dispute behind them.” Ramirez further added.

via Reuters
Baseball – MLB – San Diego Padres v Los Angeles Dodgers – Gocheok Sky Dome, Seoul, South Korea – March 20, 2024 San Diego Padres’ Manny Machado in action REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji
The battle is between Ramirez and Machado for third base in the WBC. In previous years, Ramirez had not played due to his health issues, but this time, he is determined to be at the event “no matter what.” He is slugging it out at the Guardians’ hot corner this year, hitting .296 and 23 HRs. In contrast, Machado is doing the same duty for the Padres, hitting .300 and 20 HRs. So, who will take the Dominican Republic’s third base?
Ramirez put to rest any talk of tension with Machado. He made it clear that there’s nothing but respect and unity between them. Speaking during an interview in New York, he touched on several aspects of his career. He also reaffirmed his dedication to the Dominican squad. Likewise, Machado has also made it known that he’s fully on board with the team’s goals, putting the group’s success ahead of everything.
“Completely willing to adapt and rotate positions if that contributes to the success of the Dominican team,” Machado previously shared his thoughts about the WBC. Ramirez further stressed that there’s no bad blood and that everything will be smooth between them at the Clásico, shutting down any rumors of conflict. This reassurance comes at a key moment, as excitement builds around the Dominican team’s stacked roster, especially in spots loaded with star talent.
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Will the Dominican Republic's unity or star power dominate the 2026 WBC? What's your take?
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Dominican Republic’s stacked roster for the WBC
Apart from the US and Japan, the Dominican Republic is known for producing some of the best names in baseball, ranging from Alex Rodriguez to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Expectedly, they are set to field a stacked roster in the upcoming WBC. Not only will Machado and Ramirez battle it out for third base in the WBC, but more names will be added.
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Enter Rafael Devers, who is arguably the most dangerous pure hitter of the bunch. At just 28, he’s entering his prime and has an impressive 2025 season: .255 average, 20 home runs, and 78 RBIs. While not as sharp defensively as Machado, Devers brings a left-handed power bat that adds balance to any lineup. Moreover, his presence alone can shift how pitchers approach the heart of the order.
Another name is Fernando Tatis Jr. While he isn’t a traditional third baseman, his athleticism and versatility make him a serious wildcard. Currently hitting .261 average, 17 HRs, and 45 RBIs, Tatis has publicly said he’ll play wherever his team needs him. Hence, in the WBC, he could be a utility player for the Dominican Republic, especially if the team is looking to keep all their biggest bats in the lineup.
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Nevertheless, what makes this situation so intriguing is how different these players are. Machado is the defensive rock. Ramirez is a switch-hitting spark plug. Devers is a power-hitting machine. Tatis is the electric five-tool superstar. Hence, the upcoming WBC is set to witness the exceptional partnership of some of the best third basemen in the business.
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While Ramirez already cleared the air about any bad blood, the combination between them could be a defining storyline of the 2026 WBC.
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Will the Dominican Republic's unity or star power dominate the 2026 WBC? What's your take?