The World Baseball Classic is right around the corner.
Soon after pitchers and catchers report to spring training, players will be off to the Classic as they prepare to represent their respective countries in a fun and exciting competition to see who truly has the best talent.
The Dominican Republic certainly has a solid group of players, one that includes San Diego Padres slugger Juan Soto.
Soto was acquired from the Washington Nationals at the trade deadline and is ready to compete in the WBC, so much so that he even volunteered to hit ninth in their lineup, according to Dominican Republic manager Rodney Linares.
How much does @JuanSoto25_ want to play in the @WBCBaseball?
He told Dominican Republic manager @RondeyLinares that he would bat ninth if that is what it takes.
Love this. The Classic can't start soon enough. @MLBNetwork @MLB @LasMayores @MLBONFOX pic.twitter.com/bBZchwnQiO
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) January 19, 2023
Soto’s drive and desire to compete in the WBC is immeasurable.
Linares also talked about how excited Soto’s Dominican Republic teammates are to have him around.
The slugger brings some solid power to the team, as well as great patience at the plate.
But beyond that, his energy is tough to match and it makes him a desirable piece of the Dominican national team.
The fact that he’s willing to hit ninth in the lineup, despite his power and superstar status, shows just how ready he is to compete and fight to bring a title back to the Dominican Republic.
He’ll join players such as Jose Ramirez, Julio Rodriguez, Jeremy Pena, Manny Machado, Vladimir Guerrero Jr, and several others.
The team is stacked and is ready to make some noise this coming March.
Soto will be just one of many stars who are looking to bring a title back home to the Dominican Republic.
NEXT: MLB Fan Details How Juan Soto Is Simply Different