The World Baseball Classic has seen several impressive performances, but no team has looked more dominant than the Dominican Republic national baseball team. In the five games leading up to the semifinals, the Dominican side remained undefeated while overwhelming opponents with a combined score of 51–10. Along with their strong performances, the team has also displayed a vibrant style of play filled with celebrations, bat flips, and energetic reactions on the field. While some traditional American baseball fans prefer a more restrained approach, Derek Jeter believes that those fans may simply have to get used to it.
Speaking during a broadcast on Fox Sports, Jeter acknowledged the Dominican team’s confidence and fearless attitude. He described them as aggressive players who are performing at the highest level of their game. According to him, fans who dislike bat flips or animated celebrations should learn to tolerate them because the Dominican team will continue to play with that same energy and personality.
The Dominican Republic has brought a new level of flair to the tournament, fully embracing showmanship alongside performance. One memorable moment came when Fernando Tatis Jr. launched a 394-foot home run against Venezuela and followed it with a dramatic bat flip. Even Tatis himself admitted he didn’t know exactly where the celebration came from, suggesting it was simply a spontaneous reaction in the moment.
Despite the flashy celebrations, the team’s results justify their confidence. Statistically, no other team in the tournament has matched their level of dominance. As Jeter pointed out, some American fans may not appreciate the theatrics, but the numbers behind the Dominican performance speak for themselves.
Even Aaron Judge, who serves as captain of the United States national baseball team, has expressed admiration for what the Dominican Republic has accomplished. Judge noted that watching their games has been exciting and that players in the American clubhouse are eager for the challenge of facing them. The Dominican offense has been particularly impressive, hitting for a .312 batting average and blasting 14 home runs during the tournament—tying the record for the most home runs by a team in a single WBC competition.
However, Jeter believes the United States has a potential solution to slow down the Dominican lineup. His answer is Paul Skenes. Jeter described Skenes as possibly the best pitcher in the world at the moment, highlighting his unique combination of elite power pitching and calm composure on the mound. That balance, according to Jeter, makes him extremely difficult for hitters to face.
Skenes’ track record against several Dominican stars supports that claim. Major League hitters on the Dominican roster, including Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Juan Soto, have struggled against him, collectively producing just four hits in 32 at-bats. Their difficulties against Skenes’ fastballs and sinkers make him a strong candidate to neutralize the Dominican offense.
Team USA manager Mark DeRosa appeared to take that advice seriously by giving Skenes the start in the semifinal matchup. Early in the game, the strategy seemed to pay off. Skenes allowed only one run across 4.1 innings, while the United States held a narrow 2–1 lead. If that result holds, Jeter’s recommendation could prove to be a key factor in the outcome.
Jeter’s influence on the current U.S. roster goes beyond pitching strategy. His earlier support for Aaron Judge as team captain has also become an important part of the team’s leadership structure. Back in 2022, Jeter publicly endorsed Judge for the role, praising his ability to carry the New York Yankees under the intense spotlight of New York and calling his performance remarkable.
Judge’s leadership has already delivered results. In 2024, the Yankees captured their first American League pennant in 15 years with Judge playing a central role. Now, as he leads Team USA in the WBC semifinal, Jeter’s earlier confidence in him appears well placed.
Although Jeter’s predictions have not always been perfect—such as when he previously predicted a Yankees appearance in the World Series that did not happen—his instincts regarding in-game decisions remain highly respected. Known throughout his career as “Mr. Clutch,” Jeter understands how to evaluate pressure situations on the field.
For Team USA, the strategy is clear: rely on Paul Skenes’ pitching to contain the powerful Dominican lineup. If the Americans ultimately secure a victory in the semifinal, Jeter’s influence could be seen in two key areas—his earlier push for Aaron Judge’s leadership and his belief that Skenes is the right pitcher to challenge the Dominican Republic’s explosive offense.