Former Brewer to have surprising role on Dominican Republic’s roster during 2026 WBC

Baseball fans with an excellent memory might not be surprised by the news regarding the Dominican Republic's 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) roster that MLB insider Trenchy Rodriguez relayed on the social media platform X on Tuesday afternoon. However, for Milwaukee Brewers fans and those who started following the game after the 2014 season, the news likely caused a double-take.

Translated into English, Rodriguez's report above reads: "Attention: Dominican Carlos Santana, who will be part of the Dominican team for the #WBC2026, will serve as a substitute 1st baseman and 3rd catcher if emergency help is needed on the roster. Santana has been working on catching since last November and will also serve as a veteran mentor on the team’s bench."

It's no surprise that the Dominican Republic wants former Brewers' first-baseman Carlos Santana on their 2026 WBC roster; the long-time member of the Cleveland Indians has had an excellent 16-year MLB career, during which he's compiled nearly 40 bWAR. Additionally, Santana has remained a productive player through the latter years of his major-league career. Despite 2025 being his age-39 season, Santana still posted 1.1 bWAR, in large part due to his excellent defensive skills at the cold corner.

However, what is surprising is that on the cusp of his 40th birthday, Santana has been "working on catching since last November" and is willing to assume the position for the Dominican Republic, should the team need a third catcher in the upcoming WBC.

Carlos Santana to serve as Dominican Republic's third-string catcher in 2026 WBC at nearly 40 years old

"Age is just a number" -- Santana is certainly proving the oft-used adage right not only with his recent play in MLB, but also with his willingness to do whatever it takes to help the Dominican Republic win during the upcoming WBC. However, for fans who remember the start of Santana's MLB career, the news might not come as too much of a shock.

Santana came up through the minor leagues as a catcher. In fact, throughout his minor league career, which began in the Los Angeles Dodgers' system back in 2005, Santana logged more than 2,600 innings behind the plate. He played 555 innings in the outfield, 464 innings at third base, and nine innings at second. Ironically, during his minor league career, the one position Santana played the least (apart from center field) was first base -- where he's become one of the best defensive players throughout his big-league career.

Through his first four seasons in MLB, Santana was primarily a catcher, filling in at first base from time to time. However, in 2014, after suffering several concussions from foul balls that hit off his catcher's mask, Santana transitioned into a first baseman/designated hitter. He caught just 11 games in 2014, which was the last time that he logged a major league inning behind the dish.

It's not likely that Santana does end up gearing up behind the dish for the Dominican Republic when the WBC commences next month, but never say never, and the fact that he's willing to do so if the team needs him is impressive in and of itself.

When the WBC concludes, Santana won't be heading for retirement as some suspected. Just two days ago, on the same day Rodriguez announced Santana's willingness to catch in the WBC, the former Brewers' trade deadline acquisition signed a one-year, $2 million deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks, electing to return to his MLB for a 17th season.