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Why Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is playing for Dominican Republic in the 2026 World Baseball Classic originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The World Baseball Classic is an international competition that allows players to represent their heritage on the field.
It is baseball’s version of the Olympics, and players can choose which country to represent based on their own citizenship or the heritage of their parents. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was born in Canada, but he is not playing for Team Canada in international competition.
Instead, the Toronto Blue Jays All-Star chose to pay homage to his upbringing and his father, Vladimir Guerrero Sr., and opted to represent the Dominican Republic at the World Baseball Classic. The 2026 tournament will mark the first time Guerrero Jr. has played in the event after he missed the 2023 edition due to a knee injury.
Here’s more on why Guerrero is playing for the Dominican Republic in 2026.
MORE: Every country's 2026 World Baseball Classic roster
Why Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is playing for Dominican Republic in the WBC
Guerrero Jr. was actually born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada in 1999. This was when his dad was playing for the Montreal Expos toward the start of his professional baseball career.
Guerrero Jr. has the chance to play for either Canada or the Dominican Republic in international competition. He chooses to play for Team Dominican Republic from his roots, upbringing and family. The younger Guerrero also chooses to play for the Dominican Republic because his father never got the chance to.
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Vladimir Guerrero Jr. stats
| Year | Games | Average | HRs | RBI | OBP | SLG | OPS | WAR |
| 2019 | 123 | .272 | 15 | 69 | .339 | .433 | .772 | 2.2 |
| 2020 | 60 | .262 | 9 | 33 | .329 | .462 | .791 | 0.7 |
| 2021 | 161 | .311 | 48 | 111 | .401 | .601 | 1.002 | 6.4 |
| 2022 | 160 | .274 | 32 | 97 | .339 | .480 | .818 | 4.0 |
| 2023 | 156 | .264 | 26 | 94 | .345 | .444 | .788 | 1.8 |
| 2024 | 159 | .323 | 30 | 103 | .396 | .544 | .940 | 6.2 |
| 2025 | 156 | .292 | 23 | 84 | .381 | .467 | .848 | 4.6 |
| Total | 975 | .288 | 183 | 591 | .366 | .495 | .861 | -- |
MORE: Have the Blue Jays ever won a World Series?
Other notable players on Dominican Republic World Baseball Classic roster
Guerrero is certainly a notable name, but he is just one of the household names that will be suiting up for the Dominican Republic. The Blue Jays' first baseman will be joined by Junior Caminero, Manny Machado, Ketel Marte, Geraldo Perdomo, Oneil Cruz, Julio Rodriguez, Juan Soto and Fernando Tatis Jr. in a star-studded lineup.
MORE: 21 best father-son duos in MLB history
Dominican Republic World Baseball Classic schedule
| Date | Matchup | Time | TV Channel/Live Stream |
| March 6 | vs. Nicaragua | 7:00 p.m. | FS2, Fubo |
| March 8 | vs. Netherlands | 12:00 p.m. | Fox, Fubo |
| March 9 | vs. Israel | 12:00 p.m. | FS1, Fubo |
| March 11 | vs. Venezuela | 8:00 p.m. | FS1, Fubo |
| March 13 or 14 | Quarterfinals | TBD | TBD |
| March 15 or 16 | Semifinals | 8:00 p.m. | FS1, Fubo |
| March 17 | Championship | 8:00 p.m. | Fox, Fubo |
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