The Dominican Republic has unveiled a 57‑player preselection roster for the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games, a multi‑sport event that will be staged in Santo Domingo from July 24 to August 8, 2026. The baseball competition itself is slated for July 31 through August 7 and will be held at the iconic Estadio Quisqueya Juan Marichal. The announcement was made by general manager Luis Polonia Jr., with Félix Fermín Jr. serving as the national team manager. The list blends home‑grown talent with seasoned veterans, highlighted by former Major League catcher Pedro Severino, who headlines the catching group.
A balanced mix of experience and potential
The roster draws from the domestic circuit, winter ball leagues and overseas contracts, ensuring a depth of options across every position. Infielders such as Anthony García, Kelvin “Lolo” Sánchez and veteran Yamaico Navarro join a group that also includes promising names like Bryan Hernández and Diego Hernández. The outfield features experienced players such as Michael De León, Alfredo Reyes and Isaac De León, while the pitching staff is anchored by left‑hander Enny Romero and bolstered by a host of relievers and starters including Sammy Tavárez, Carlos Belén and Dionys Rodríguez.
Home‑field ambition
Entering the tournament as one of the favorites, the Dominican Republic hopes to translate home‑field advantage into a gold medal. The competition will pit the team against strong opponents from Puerto Rico, Mexico, Curaçao, Panama, Colombia, Cuba and Nicaragua. With the eyes of a nation on them, the players are acutely aware of the expectations placed upon them to bring a medal to the capital.
Schedule and venue
The games will run from July 24 to August 8, 2026, with the baseball events confined to the final week, culminating at Estadio Quisqueya Juan Marichal. The venue, a beloved landmark in Santo Domingo, will host every baseball contest, providing a familiar and electric atmosphere for both athletes and supporters.
Strategic outlook
Beyond the immediate medal target, the selection reflects a broader strategy to sustain Dominican baseball’s global dominance. By integrating emerging talents such as Luis Chevalier and Bryan Hernández with established figures like Enny Romero, the federation aims to build a resilient pipeline that can compete effectively in future international tournaments.