San Diego Padres outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. says he’s looking forward to facing top competition, specifically Team Japan, with the Dominican Republic in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
Two Los Angeles Dodgers players will represent Team Japan at the upcoming tournament: All-Stars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
“They’re nasty but we’re going to beat them,” Tatis said.
“We have a great team, but it’s about putting the best game out there, and we’re preparing for that. There’s a lot of great competition, especially Team Japan. Looking forward to facing that competition and coming out on top.”
Team Japan has a record three WBC titles, and they are the current title holders after winning in 2023.
Who Will Play for Team Dominican Republic in the 2026 WBC?
Tatis is one of many stars on the DR’s roster, with big names like Juan Soto, Julio Rodriguez, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Ketel Marte and Manny Machado joining him in the lineup.
Tatis has spent his entire MLB career in the NL West with the Padres, and will be a familiar face for both Yamamoto and Ohtani should they face each other in the tournament. A three-time All-Star and a two-time Gold Glove and Silver Slugger winner, Tatis has hit 152 homers and tallied 393 RBIs during his six-season tenure in the majors.
Other notable names on the Dominican Republic’s roster include Cristopher Sanchez, Luis Severino, Camilo Doval, Geraldo Perdomo and Oneil Cruz.
What Roles Will Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto Serve in the WBC?
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has commented on Ohtani’s progression during spring training as he looks to hit his stride with the tournament just over two weeks away.
Ohtani will not pitch in the 2026 WBC, and will serve as Team Japan’s designated hitter. Yamamoto will undertake his normal duty as a starter, and Roki Sasaki will to be in attendance.
“You know, I don’t know when he’s going to leave us to join Team Japan, but there’s still gonna be ample time for him to get his progression here with us,” Roberts said. “To then, I’m sure Mark will be talking to the pitching coach over there and kind of, you know, stick to our plan and we’ll be in lockstep.
Do you think Team Dominican Republic can beat Team Japan?
