In a recent episode of Diamante El Podcast, Ángel “Aroboy” Santana—special assistant to the General Manager of Leones del Escogido—confirmed that Boston Red Sox star Rafael Devers is committed to playing for the Dominican Republic in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Santana also revealed that Devers plans to suit up for Escogido this winter in LIDOM, marking his first appearance with the club since the 2016–17 season. When asked about playing in LIDOM, Devers told Santana:
“Sure, I’m going to play in the Winter League. I’m going now—wait for me.”
Rafael Devers will play for the DR in the 2026 World Baseball Classic pic.twitter.com/X43Ng411dw
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) June 29, 2025
Escogido is riding high after winning its first LIDOM championship since 2016, defeating perennial powerhouse Tigres del Licey in a thrilling seven-game series widely regarded as one of the most exciting LIDOM finals in recent history.
The upcoming 2025–26 winter league season is shaping up to be one of the most talent-rich in years. Stars such as Ketel Marte, Juan Soto and Luis Castillo have all expressed interest in participating, and with Devers now added to the mix, anticipation continues to build. Unlike previous WBC years, many Dominican MLB players are expected to take part in LIDOM this winter as preparation for the international tournament, aiming to reverse the nation’s recent underwhelming performances and avoid a third straight WBC disappointment.
With the likes of Devers, Fernando Tatis Jr., José Ramírez, Ketel Marte, Juan Soto and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. expected to feature, the Dominican Republic is poised to field one of the most stacked rosters in World Baseball Classic history.
Players who have said they plan to play winter ball in the DR this year/early next year:
Rafael Devers, Ketel Marte, Luis Castillo, possibly Juan Soto for a few games. I’m sure Caminero will play. Several others should as well. Don’t want to hear “Baseball is over” after the WS— Jeff Duda (@INTLBaseball24) June 29, 2025
The Dominican Republic will begin its campaign for a second WBC title on March 6, 2026, in Pool D against Nicaragua. The rest of the pool features The Kingdom of the Netherlands, Israel, and Venezuela.
WBN WBC: https://worldbaseball.com/league/wbc/
Photo: San Francisco Giants’ Rafael Devers jogs to the dugout after grounding out against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Friday, June 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
