WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC: POOL D

March 5, 2026

Cristopher Sanchez

LoanDepot Park

Team Dominican Republic

Workout Day Press Conference

Q. I'm going to ask the same question that I asked Albert Pujols. The players from Nicaragua, have you seen any videos of those players? Have you been able to study them? That's question number one. Number two, this is the first participation representing the DR in a WBC.

CRISTOPHER SÁNCHEZ: Regarding the first question, at this level we always have to study. We have the scouting team, they gave us some information, and this is my first Classic, my first opening, and I'm going to go out and enjoy my game. That's it.

Q. Cristopher, you have been focused on Nicaragua first. Dusty Baker has a very good player, Mark Vientos. You have faced him before. Do you think there is some kind of revenge with Mark? What else do you know from Nicaragua besides Mark Vientos that you have played before?

CRISTOPHER SÁNCHEZ: You know, we have a healthy rivalry. I'm going to go out and compete, to try to perform and execute my game plan. And regarding the other players, we tried to read the reports, watch videos, et cetera.

Q. You are at the very best moment in your career. Last season in the majors, great numbers. Now you have the honor to open the first game at this WBC. Looking back at your career and considering everything that has happened, what do you think about that?

CRISTOPHER SÁNCHEZ: Representing my country, I have always said that it's a privilege for me. We have great harmony in the team. I would like to enjoy my game, and I would like to play for my family. I want them to feel proud.

Q. Cristopher, you were speaking about representing your country. In your specific case, your availability, how is it to represent the DR if you are needed in another round, in a final game?

CRISTOPHER SÁNCHEZ: So far, I am available. I am 100 percent with my team all the way.

Q. Cristopher, you are the sixth player that was born in La Romana participating in the national team. Some of those players, the vets, they call you? Did they approach you? Did they give you some tips?

CRISTOPHER SÁNCHEZ: Not specifically, but all those players support us all the time.

Q. I'm sure you're happy not to face the Dominican lineup, but if you did --

CRISTOPHER SÁNCHEZ: Thank God I'm on this side.

Q. Cristopher, Nelson said that you didn't travel with the team to the DR because you wanted to be prepared for the first game. How difficult was that decision? It's not a bad idea to go to the DR and be with the guys. How did you work? Did you work a lot?

CRISTOPHER SÁNCHEZ: Just like you said, going to the DR, that was a very important thing. I couldn't see my family back home. But it's very important to me. I have that commitment for tomorrow. I wanted to be as prepared as possible, and I'm going to give my 100 percent tomorrow.

Q. How is your preparation for the game against Nicaragua? It is your first game. Is it complicated? You have only a few pitches.

CRISTOPHER SÁNCHEZ: It is not complicated because I want to go out and to do my best. I try to have good control and to throw as many strikes as possible.

Q. You were asked in English about being on this side and not facing the Dominican Republic lineup. However, in the majors, you know all the hitters. You are used to facing Dominican hitters. Now you are facing players that you don't know that much. Could you give us an evaluation? Do you have any idea about facing this team and some players that you don't know very much?

CRISTOPHER SÁNCHEZ: Of course, there are pros and cons. Take a look at Nicaragua. I just know Vientos. There is another one who plays in Boston, and I don't know the others. I have to study them, I have to see their videos, how they swing, their position at the home plate. Yes, details that I have to study.

Q. Is it important for you to be at the WBC? If you take a look at your career, the present now, is it a treat for you to be here today?

CRISTOPHER SÁNCHEZ: Of course it's very, very exciting, and I'm very proud to wear this jersey. This is priceless, and I'm going to enjoy this as much as possible.