MLB Insider reveals Nelson Cruz and Robinson Cano will be on Team Dominican Republic for upcoming World Baseball Classic

The Dominican Republic continues to add stars to their World Baseball Classic, now in the form of veterans Nelson Cruz and Robinson Cano. Cruz and Cano were part of a legendary 2013 team that went undefeated en route to a World Baseball Classic championship. Their experience should prove to be invaluable as the current team looks to win it all.

Team Dominican Republic will be incredibly star-studded and one of the best teams in the tournament. There will be fierce competition to win it all, as international baseball talent has never been better.

Hector Gomez reported on Twitter that the two legends will be playing for Team Dominican Republic.

"DH Nelson Cruz and 2B Robinson Cano will be included in the Dominican team's roster for the 2023 World Baseball Classic" - Hector Gomez

Neither player is in the prime of their career, but they can still make a huge impact on the team. They have had the experience of playing in and winning this tournament in the past. They should be able to act as de-facto coaches in the clubhouse and help keep the younger players on track.

Shawn Spralding shared the news about the team's starting pitcher rotation via Twitter, and describing it as "stacked" is an understatement.

"This is the pitching rotation for Team Dominican Republic in the 2023 World Baseball Classic" - Shawn Spralding

They will be joining a roster that includes Manny Machado, Juan Soto, Julio Rodriguez, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Team USA won the championship most recently, but the Dominican Republic team is built to take the title from them.

The team looks more like an All-Star team, except they will be joining forces for one tournament instead of one game.

The World Baseball Classic could become the next huge sprting event

Championship Round - Game 1 - Netherlands v Puerto Rico

Growing the game has always been important for baseball, especially internationally. The tournament now allows fans to watch the biggest stars of the game battle it out. Some MLB teams are wary of allowing their players to participate in the tournament, but most have relented. It is important to the players that the MLB teams won't stand in their way.

Moments like this, posted to YouTube by the World Baseball Classic, could help bring many new fans to the sport.

Regardless of what team or league they play for, they will all be in this tournament playing for their country in an effort to grow the game.