Dominican Republic in the Premier12: Calendar, games, scores, roster and players

The Dominican Republic heads into the WBSC Premier12 tournament with a blend of experience, youth, and firepower. Manager César Martin, alongside General Manager Henry Gonzalez, has assembled a squad of 28 players who have proven themselves on various stages, from Major League Baseball (MLB) to international leagues like the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) in Japan, the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL), and Mexico’s LMB.

Martin acknowledges the challenges of crafting this team. “The selection process was complicated, like many things in life, particularly when baseball is involved,” he says. “We aimed at selecting the best team possible and needed to invite enough players to compete for a spot on the final roster. Our players' pool is wide, so the process involved the whole staff.”

The Dominican pitching staff looks like a force to be reckoned with, led by veterans Willy Peralta and Diego Castillo. Both have accumulated over 250 MLB appearances and bring a mix of experience and grit to the mound. Castillo has recent big-league action under his belt, having played seven games in 2024, while Joelys Rodriguez, with 182 MLB games and recent outings for the Boston Red Sox, adds depth to the bullpen. Franklyn Kilome has primarily served as a reliable Minor League starter, but his brief MLB stint in 2020 hints at his potential.

Additional arms include Robert Corniel, who previously played in Japan with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp, Hector Perez from the CPBL’s UniPresident Lions, and Jorge Juan, a promising Double-A reliever with the Braves. The team’s bullpen is built with versatility and power, giving Martin plenty of options for different scenarios.

In the infield, third baseman Kelvin Gutierrez, middle infielder Alen Hanson, and utility player Arismendy Alcantara bring substantial MLB experience to the lineup. José Devers, a young shortstop, also offers speed and skill. First baseman Rainer Nunez showcased power at Double-A with 12 homers for the Braves organization, while Andretty Cordero’s 16 home runs in Mexico prove his ability to impact games. Outfielder Pedro Gonzalez, who smashed 29 home runs in the Atlantic League, adds even more pop to the lineup.

Full Roster for the Dominican Republic

Pitchers (13):
Wilber Perez, Luis Vargas, Robert Corniel, Hector Perez, Jorge Juan, Diego Castillo, Wily Peralta, Gerald Ogando, Franklyn Kilomé, Joelys Rodriguez, Dionys Rodriguez, Victor Lopez, Henry Henry

Catchers (3):
Frank Rodriguez, Daneurys De La Cruz, Randy Florentino

Infielders (7):
Rainer Nunez, Michael De Leon, Kelvin Gutierrez, José Devers, Alen Hanson, Arismendy Alcantara, Andretty Cordero

Outfielders (4):
Pedro Gonzalez, Ricardo Cespedes, Luis Mieses, Adolfo Micker

The coaching staff adds a layer of expertise. Former MLB star Ervin Santana takes on pitching coach duties with pitching advisor Ramon Martinez, another well-known name, offering guidance. Ronny Paulino, a former MLB catcher, handles hitting duties. Welington Castillo and Ramon Santiago cover first and third base coaching, respectively, with Santiago’s prior MLB coaching experience boosting the staff’s pedigree.

Full Schedule for Venezuela in Group B:

The Dominican squad enters this international showdown with a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, ready to battle on the global stage. With their eyes on the prize and a roster built for competition, the challenge is real, but so is their determination.