General Manager Nelson Cruz announced that Major League Baseball organizations prohibit the participation of 18 Dominicans in the WBC. Cruz continues to advocate for these players to receive permission from their organizations.
“The Dominican team will be affected by this situation,” Cruz stated during an interview with El Canal de Noticias de Los Dominicanos (CND). Major league organizations have the authority to restrict any player. Teams often ban players from participating in the WBC due to injuries, as has occurred in many instances.
According to Jerry Dipoto, president of the Seattle Mariners, Luis Castillo will not be participating in the World Baseball Classic. The Mariners’ reasoning for not allowing their starting pitcher to participate stems from their $108M investment and the trade of shortstop prospect Noelvi Marte in August of 2022. As Castillo has previously suffered injuries, the Seattle Mariners would not like to forfeit one of their starters, especially if they intend to participate in the Major League Playoffs. Despite declining Castillo’s participation, Dipoto confirmed Julio Rodriguez and Teoscar Hernandez’s participation.
In addition, the New York Yankees have stated they will not allow Dominican pitcher Luis Severino to participate in the baseball classic. Although Severino has expressed his desire to play, he has been injured in each of his last three years with the Yankees. It is not a risk the Yankees are willing to take.
These Dominicans are not expected to participate in the World Baseball Classic as of yet: Luis Severino (New York Yankees), Freddy Peralta (Milwaukee Brewers), Emmanuel Clase (Cleveland Guardians), Juan Soto (San Diego Padres), Jose Ramirez (Cleveland Guardians), Framber Valdez (Houston Astros), Starling Marte (New York Mets), Frankie Montas (New York Yankees)
Several Dominican players are unable to play due to injuries they have sustained in the past or are currently suffering from. While others have signed long-term contracts, these players are not permitted to participate in the world baseball classics because of their obligations to their organizations. In response to the organization not giving the players permission to play, many fans expressed their frustration. Fans must understand that it is equally frustrating for these players to not be able to play for their country during the world baseball classics.
As for Framber Valdez, he has made his own decision not to pitch because he pitched too many innings last season and would like to report to spring training with the Astros earlier. “After pitching last season and in the world series, my body does not seem ready for the pressures of playing in the world baseball classics. I am attending my major league organization’s training camp earlier than expected,” said Valdez.
In order to fill out the roster, Nelson Cruz must hear from more major league players and their organizations.
Major League Baseball must receive the Dominican Republic’s roster of players by February 7th. Miami’s Loan Depot Park will host the first game on March 11th at 7 pm against Venezuela.