Star Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz will represent his home nation in one of biggest stages in the sport.Wednesday, the team confirmed the two-time All-Star will suit up for his native Dominican Republic in next year’s World Baseball Classic.He’s the first member of the organization to be confirmed to be participating. In 2023, 16 total players were named to rosters, though a majority of them were pitchers or prospects.De La Cruz played in all 162 games last year for the Reds. He slashed .264/.336.440 with 22 home runs and 86 RBI. He added 37 stolen bases while he was caught stealing just eight times.He was named to the National League All Star team for the second-straight year.Winners of the 2013 event, the Dominican Republic always boast one of the toughest lineups in international baseball. De La Cruz will join the likes of Padres stars Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr., Rays breakout stud Junior Caminero and Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara. Arizona infielder Geraldo Perdomo is also expected to be part of the stacked team.Former St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Angels slugger Albert Pujols will manage the D.R.Despite their rich history and star power, the D.R. failed to advance past pool play in 2023, going 2-2 in a pool that consisted of group advancers Venezuela and Puerto Rico. Finishing third, the D.R. finished ahead of Israel (fourth) and Nicaragua (fifth).The Dominican Republic will again play in Pool D, with three repeat opponents in Venezuela, Israel and Nicaragua. The Netherlands is also part of this year’s pool, using players primarily out of the island nation of Curaçao.All of the D.R.’s pool play games will be contested in Miami. The Dominican’s first game will be played on March 6 at 7 p.m. against Nicaragua.

CINCINNATI —

Star Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz will represent his home nation in one of biggest stages in the sport.

Wednesday, the team confirmed the two-time All-Star will suit up for his native Dominican Republic in next year’s World Baseball Classic.

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He’s the first member of the organization to be confirmed to be participating. In 2023, 16 total players were named to rosters, though a majority of them were pitchers or prospects.

De La Cruz played in all 162 games last year for the Reds. He slashed .264/.336.440 with 22 home runs and 86 RBI. He added 37 stolen bases while he was caught stealing just eight times.

He was named to the National League All Star team for the second-straight year.

Winners of the 2013 event, the Dominican Republic always boast one of the toughest lineups in international baseball. De La Cruz will join the likes of Padres stars Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr., Rays breakout stud Junior Caminero and Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara.

Arizona infielder Geraldo Perdomo is also expected to be part of the stacked team.

Former St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Angels slugger Albert Pujols will manage the D.R.

Despite their rich history and star power, the D.R. failed to advance past pool play in 2023, going 2-2 in a pool that consisted of group advancers Venezuela and Puerto Rico. Finishing third, the D.R. finished ahead of Israel (fourth) and Nicaragua (fifth).

The Dominican Republic will again play in Pool D, with three repeat opponents in Venezuela, Israel and Nicaragua. The Netherlands is also part of this year’s pool, using players primarily out of the island nation of Curaçao.

All of the D.R.’s pool play games will be contested in Miami. The Dominican’s first game will be played on March 6 at 7 p.m. against Nicaragua.