While Juan Soto and Team Dominican Republic know the challenge Paul Skenes and Team USA bring, they aren't backing down.

Paul Skenes is Team USA’s main weapon to try to slow down Juan Soto and the Dominican Republic’s powerful lineup in the semifinals of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, as he has been dominant against most of those hitters in previous matchups.

Bill Plaschke used to ignore the World Baseball Classic, but he has been wowed by the dramatic tournament that feels bigger than the World Series.

The World Baseball Classic is set to begin this week, and Team Dominican Republic features some of the league’s best talent. Two of those superstars are San Diego Padres outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr.

Following the Dominican Republic’s win over Korea in the World Baseball Classic, manager Albert Pujols highlighted Juan Soto and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as major threats for Team USA.

Juan Soto had never played an official game at the Quisqueya Juan Marichal Stadium, in winter ball or in any other event. But in the two exhibition games with Team Dominican Republic in preparation for the 2026 World Baseball Classic,

Aaron Judge and Juan Soto appear ready for the World Baseball Classic. The superstar sluggers delivered powerful performances in their final tuneups before the WBC, standing out even in the ultra-loaded Team USA and Team Dominican Republic lineups.

It’s going to be exceedingly difficult for anyone to top the caliber of play the Dominicans are bringing to the 2026 World Baseball Classic, but I have to believe the Contrerii