Orioles' Machado to play for Dominican Republic in 2017 WBC
Manny Machado will play in the next World Baseball Classic, but not for the country on his birth certificate.
The Baltimore Orioles third baseman announced Wednesday he's chosen to suit up for the Dominican Republic in the 2017 tournament.
"My blood is Dominican and I want to represent my country," Machado told ESPN Deportes' Enrique Rojas. "I will wear the red to blue to represent DR."
Though he was born in Hialeah, Fla., Machado is eligible to play for either country in the tournament thanks to his parents being natives of the Dominican Republic. He said he made the decision to represent the island nation so he could honor his family.
"That will be the best, so that's why I want to do it," he explained. "For my grandfather (Juan), who is already with God and always wanted me to play with the Dominican Republic. Now I want to wear that uniform for my mom and my family to see me, that will be a honor."
The 23-year-old should step right into the middle of what's likely to be a fearsome lineup for the defending WBC champions, who boast multiple stars across Major League Baseball. While Texas Rangers superstar Adrian Beltre likely has the inside track for third base if he wants it, Machado could easily slot in at shortstop - his original position, and one that he's sporadically played with the Orioles - next March.
Potential Dominican Republic lineup
| Position | Player | Career WAR |
|---|---|---|
| C | Welington Castillo | 8.6 |
| 1B | Edwin Encarnacion | 24.0 |
| 2B | Robinson Cano | 44.1 |
| 3B | Adrian Beltre | 76.0 |
| SS | Manny Machado | 18.1 |
| LF | Nelson Cruz | 22.4 |
| CF | Starling Marte | 14.9 |
| RF | Jose Bautista | 33.6 |
| DH | Hanley Ramirez | 38.1 |
(Data courtesy: Fangraphs)
Machado's breakthrough 2015 campaign, which saw him earn his second All-Star berth and Gold Glove award, cemented his place as one of baseball's top young stars. Through 19 games in 2016 he's leading AL hitters in both slugging percentage and OPS.