Albert Pujols Set to Lead Dominican Republic in 2026 World Baseball Classic

The Dominican Republic has tapped Albert Pujols, a legendary figure from his playing days with the St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Angels, to manage its national team in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, according to sources cited by ESPN. The official announcement is expected in March, marking a significant step in Pujols’ post-playing career. A three-time MLB MVP, Pujols recently showcased his managerial prowess by guiding Leones del Escogido to championships in both the Dominican League and the Caribbean Series during his first stint as a manager this year.
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Nelson Cruz, the general manager of the Dominican squad and a special adviser for MLB baseball operations, is orchestrating the transition and has confirmed that an announcement is forthcoming before March ends. “We are in the middle of the process, but we will soon reveal who was chosen,” Cruz told Rojas. Pujols will step into the role previously held by Rodney Linares, currently the third base coach for the Tampa Bay Rays, bringing his extensive experience and winning pedigree to the international stage.