The Dominican Republic's chances of successfully defending its title at the World Baseball Classic might have gotten stronger Friday.

Just three days after officially agreeing to a new contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, outfielder Jose Bautista is expected to join the Dominican squad at the tournament, reports FOX Sports' Jon Morosi.

The 36-year-old Bautista will join a strong Dominican outfield corps that is expected to consist of Nelson Cruz, Starling Marte, Gregory Polanco, and Marcell Ozuna.

Bautista did not participate in the 2013 Classic, but was a member of the Dominican squad that finished ninth in 2009.

The slugger, who signed a one-year, $18-million deal to return to Toronto, appeared in three games during the 2009 tournament, earning one hit in three at-bats.

Bautista owns a lifetime .255/.368/.493 slash line with 308 home runs and 862 RBIs during a 13-year career in MLB.