Where Red Sox’s Rafael Devers Fits Into 2026 WBC Plans

The Dominican Republic enters the 2026 World Baseball Classic with redemption in mind after the team failed to make the bracket in 2023.

The Dominican Republic went 2-2 and finished in third place behind Venezuela and Puerto Rico. That made for a third-place finish, which did not qualify the country for a spot in the bracket. Japan went on to beat the United States in the finals.

The team seeks resurgence in 2026, and MLB Network drew up a potential lineup under manager and two-time World Series champion Albert Pujols. Here’s what MLB Network came up with:

1. Fernando Tatis Jr., RF
2. Juan Soto, LF
3. Vladimir Guerrero Jr, 1B
4. Rafael Devers, DH
5. Manny Machado, Jose Ramirez, 3B
6. Ketel Marte, 2B
7. Julio Rodriguez, CF
8. Willy Adames, SS
9. Yanier Diaz, C

That’s another big role for Red Sox designated hitter Rafael Devers to play. In the middle of a loaded order, he’ll look to add to his trophy case after he won the World Series in his first full season in the big leagues with Boston in 2018.