There seems to be some confusion about Jose Ramirez’s status for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The Cleveland Guardians star third baseman announced in December that he would play for the Dominican Republic in the international tournament. 

But rumors took to social media on Monday that said otherwise. Juan Nunez, the president of the Dominican Baseball Federation, released a very clear statement to ESPN’s Enrique Rojas regarding Ramirez and the WBC. 

“It is false that Jose Ramirez informed the team of any intention not to go to the World Baseball Classic,” Nunez said. “Quite the opposite, he has been very positive about it. For us, he is on board.” 

Over the weekend, the Guardians announced a seven-year extension with Ramirez that will keep him in Cleveland through the 2032 season. 

The D.R.’s roster with Ramirez 

Along with the United States, the Dominican Republic will have one of the best lineups filled with Major League talent at the WBC. 

Committed Dominican players include Manny Machado, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Fernando Tatis Jr., and Julio Rodriguez. All four players are capable of winning an MVP.

Ramirez is also a player of that caliber, finishing third in last year’s AL MVP voting. He is beloved by the Guardians fanbase and is arguably the best third baseman in baseball. 

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