World Baseball Network’s writers were asked to pick the two teams that would advance out of each pool, as well as which team would finish last in each pool, forcing them to play in the next World Baseball Classic Qualifier.
Here are the writers’ picks for Pool D, which features the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, the Netherlands, Nicaragua, and Israel at Miami’s loanDepot Park.
Picks to Win Pool D
Dominican Republic – The winner of the Dominican Republic and Venezuela game on March 11 will likely win this pool. The Dominican Republic is starting Cy Young Award winner Sandy Alcántara in that game, and their high-powered offense should be able to give him some run support. Venezuela’s rotation is not as strong as Albert Pujols squad, and may not be able to win the pool. – Aaliyan Mohammed
The Dominican Republic has one of the best lineups ever assembled. Fernando Tatis Jr., Juan Soto, Ketel Marte, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will strike fear into any pitching staff. Their ace is Cristopher Sanchez, who finished second in the National League Cy Young voting in 2026. – Julian Guilarte
The Dominican Republic’s lineup is too good to take anyone else. It resembles an All-Star game with Vladimir Guerrero Jr, Ketel Marte, and company. The D.R. becomes even more dangerous if Sandy Alcantara and Cristopher Sanchez pitch to the back of their baseball cards. – Conor Liguori
After exiting the 2023 World Baseball Classic after the pool round with a 2-2 record, the Dominican Republic has an absolutely loaded lineup this year. If there’s a weakness to the D.R.’s roster, it’s the pitching staff, but the lineup more than makes up for it. If the D.R. gives up four runs a game, it won’t matter much with the lineup they have, since they can easily score five. Look for Junior Caminero to be the breakout star of this World Baseball Classic. – Leif Skodnick
If any team can match or even exceed Team USA’s firepower, it’s the Dominican Republic. With some of the best players on the planet like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Juan Soto, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Ketel Marte leading the charge, they have the ability to out-slug anybody and steamroll their way to a second WBC title. Potentially playing the entire tournament in Miami will also give them a boost. – Yuri Karasawa
The D.R. is the best team in this pool, and possibly the world. They should go 3-1 or 4-0 and easily advance to the quarterfinals. – Matt Tallarini
Picks to Finish Second in Pool D
Venezuela – Venezuela and the Dominican Republic are clearly the two best teams in this pool, but outside of Ranger Suárez, Venezuela does not have a true elite starter. However, their offense has no shortage of superstars. Ronald Acuña Jr., William Contreras, Willson Contreras, Jackson Chourio, Eugenio Suárez, Maikel Garcia, Wilyer Abreu and Gleyber Torres are more than enough to compete, but I have them losing a close, but high-scoring game to the Dominican Republic in pool play. – Aaliyan Mohammed
Venezuela will finish in second, and they are the only team in Pool D that can push the Dominican Republic. Jackson Chourio, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Salvador Perez are among several stars on their team. Ranger Suarez will be their best starter, but after him, their rotation is questionable. – Julian Guilarte
Venezuela is my pick for a second-place finish in Pool D. Ronald Acuna Jr., Jackson Chourio, and Wilyer Abreu are a very talented and good vibes outfield. Starters Ranger Suarez and Eduardo Rodriguez have a solid chunk of postseason pitching experience in the Majors. – Conor Liguori
Venezuela has the second-best lineup in the pool, led by Ronald Acuna Jr. and Jackson Chourio, and a pitching staff that should carry them to the elimination games. It’s possible that they could upset the Dominicans and win the pool, but second place is the likely landing spot for the vinotinos. – Leif Skodnick
Venezuela is the only other team in the pool that can rival the Dominican Republic in terms of star power. With Ronald Acuna Jr., Jackson Chourio, Eugenio Suarez, Gleyber Torres, and the Contreras brothers, manager Omar Lopez has one of the most formidable lineups in the tournament. If Venezuela can somehow finish atop the pool, their road to the finals becomes very favorable. – Yuri Karasawa
Omar Lopez has the second-best team in the pool, and possibly in the tournament. They should finish 3-1, with their only loss coming against the D.R. – Matt Tallarini
Headed Back to the World Baseball Classic Qualifier
Israel – Israel has some talented players representing it, but it is not a better side than Nicaragua or the Netherlands. Israel could go on a cinderella run and shatter expectations for the second time in tournament history, but it’s unlikely. – Aaliyan Mohammed
Nicaragua will likely be the popular pick to finish in the cellar, but they impressed in last year’s WBC qualifiers, going undefeated and even shutting out Chinese Taipei on their home soil. A late rally cost them against Israel in 2023, yet a rematch this time presents a shot at revenge and a chance to prove how far the program has improved. – Yuri Karasawa
Nicaragua – Nicaragua will finish last because they don’t have enough big bats to support Mark Vientos. They also lack a lot in the pitching department. Israel is better offensively and pitching-wise. – Julian Guilarte
Nicaragua’s main problem will be generating runs. I predict they will have the worst run differential in the WBC. Mark Vientos cannot carry the offense by himself. – Conor Liguori
Nicaragua just doesn’t have enough MLB-level talent on the mound or in the lineup. They could win a game, but it’ll be difficult for them to avoid heading back to the WBCQ. – Matt Tallarini
The Netherlands – The Dutch have a good roster, but they’ve lost two MLB-ready bats out of the lineup in the last three weeks, when Jonathan Schoop was arrested in Curacao on gun charges, and then Jurickson Profar drew a 162-game performance enhancing drug suspension. While they do have several everyday Major Leaguers, including Cedanne Rafaela, Xander Bogaerts, and Kenley Jansen, there isn’t enough pitching to carry this team past both Israel and Nicaragua. – Leif Skodnick
2026 World Baseball Classic Pool D Schedule
All times local
March 6
Noon EST – The Netherlands vs. Venezuela – loanDepot Park – TV: Tubi
7 p.m. EST – Nicaragua vs. Dominican Republic – loanDepot Park – TV: FS2
March 7
Noon EST – Nicaragua vs. The Netherlands – loanDepot Park – TV: Tubi
7 p.m. EST – Israel vs. Venezuela – loanDepot Park – TV: FS2
March 8
Noon EST – The Netherlands vs. Dominican Republic – loanDepot Park – TV: FOX
7 p.m. EST – Nicaragua vs. Israel – loanDepot Park – TV: Tubi
March 9
Noon EST – Dominican Republic vs. Israel – loanDepot Park – TV: FS1
7 p.m. EST – Venezuela vs. Nicaragua – loanDepot Park – TV: FS2
March 10
7 p.m. EST – Israel vs. The Netherlands – loanDepot Park – TV: FOX App
March 11
8 p.m. EST – Dominican Republic vs. Nicaragua – loanDepot Park – TV: FS1
Photo: Junior Caminero bats against the Baltimore Orioles in a baseball game, Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)
