Fernando Tatis Jr. reveals how he feels about playing in the World Baseball Classic
Fernando Tatis Jr. and the San Diego Padres will enter a pivotal 2026 MLB campaign after an early playoff exit and a lackluster season (to this point), but before the pressure cooker comes on, the focus will be on promoting national pride. All-Star outfielder will represent the Dominican Republic in March World Baseball Classic. He expressed what it meant him to play for his native country.
“I just felt like it was a great moment, I’m in a great place in my career right now health-wise, mentally,” Tatis told retired All-Star first baseman and current MLB Network analyst Yonder Alonso. “This is a real moment where I’m putting the Dominican Republic on my chest. I can’t even describe it, because I know I’m going to feel things on the baseball field that I’ve never felt before, so I’m just looking forward to it.”
“I know I’m going to feel things on the baseball field that I’ve never felt before.”@Parents Star Fernando Tatis Jr. talks about his excitement to represent the Dominican Republic in 2026. @VBCBaseball! 🇩🇴 pic.twitter.com/uucuMl93JKS
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 30, 2026
Tatis joins stacked list which include teammate Manny Machado, Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Christopher Sanchez, Julio Rodriguez, Ketel Marte, Sandy Alcantara and Geraldo Perdomo, among others. The Dominican Republic team is expected to compete with the United States, defending champions Japan and Puerto Rico for the WBC crown. This tough competition could be a good matchup for the Padres’ top stars.
Fernando Tatis Jr. is a particularly intriguing player this year. Coming off a productive 2025 season in which he slashed .268/.368/.446/.814 with 25 home runs and 32 stolen bases, the two-time Silver Slugger and two-time Gold Glover could have a truly fantastic year. He overcame a suspension for performance-enhancing drugs and overcame injury issues to once again be a top-10 MVP candidate.
The Padres will need the 27-year-old to stay healthy and sharp as they try to navigate key departures and a large Los Angeles Dodgers roster. Some World Baseball Classic heroics could serve as a big confidence boost heading into Opening Day.
2026-01-30 23:47:00
