San Diego Padres star Juan Soto displays excitement to play for the Dominican Republic in the 2023 World Baseball Classic

San Diego Padres star Juan Soto’s ambitious dream of playing for DR at the World Baseball Classic is set to come true. In a clip posted by Talkin' Baseball on Twitter, the All-Star is seen expressing his enthusiasm at the prospect of donning the Dominican Republic jersey on the international stage.

The 22-year-old player, who hails from Santo Domingo, the capital city of the Dominican Republic, has been a standout performer in Major League Baseball since making his debut in 2018 and is considered one of the rising stars of the sport.

Speaking on WBC 2023, Soto said:

"It's a great pride. To me, it is something all Dominican players dream about. Believe it will be a great experience for me and the whole country."

"Safe to say Juan Soto is incredibly excited to rep his country in the World Baseball Classic." - Talkin' Baseball

Team Dominican Republic announced their roster for the upcoming 2023 World Baseball Classic on Feb. 10.

Team Dominican Republic boasts a star-studded roster for World Baseball Classic 2023

Championship Series - San Diego Padres v Philadelphia Phillies - Game Four

Team Dominican Republic announced its roster for the upcoming tournament on Feb. 10. It boasts an impressive lineup that includes some of the MLB's biggest names.

Apart from Juan Soto, the roster also features a number of other impressive names, including Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Boston Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers, and Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez. The Dominican Republic team also has a strong pitching staff, with Miami Marlins pitcher Sandy Alcantara, the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner, leading the charge.

"Team Dominican Republic's #WorldBaseballClassic roster." - WBC

With such a strong roster, the Dominican Republic team is poised to make a deep run in the tournament and potentially take home the championship.