Discover why Albert Pujols is managing the Dominican Republic in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, content originally published by The Sporting News. You can add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Albert Pujols, a legendary figure among MLB’s greatest home run hitters, is now set to guide a formidable World Baseball Classic contender.
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Appointed as the manager for the Dominican Republic in the upcoming 2026 tournament, Pujols aims to channel his unparalleled baseball wisdom into securing a championship for his native country. This appointment follows a highly successful initial foray into management; in early 2025, Pujols steered Leones del Escogido to a Dominican Winter League title, subsequently clinching the Caribbean Series trophy.
With the task of leading a squad of global baseball stars, many of whom — like Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Julio Rodríguez — grew up admiring him, Pujols is focused on bringing the DR its first WBC gold since 2013.
Here’s an explanation of Pujols’ role as the team’s manager for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
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The Dominican Republic enters the 2026 tournament with a strong desire for redemption after a disappointing early exit from the 2023 Classic, where their star-studded roster surprisingly failed to advance beyond pool play. Pujols, a former player for the D.R. in the inaugural 2006 Classic, embraced this managerial challenge with the clear objective of restoring the “Kingdom of Baseball” to its previous dominant standing.
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In his debut season as a professional skipper, he guided Leones del Escogido to a Dominican Winter League (LIDOM) championship in 2024-25, culminating in an exciting Game 7 triumph. This achievement was soon followed by leading the Dominican Republic to a Caribbean Series title in February 2025.
Guiding a team featuring top talents such as Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Julio Rodríguez necessitates a leader with extensive big-game experience. As General Manager Nelson Cruz emphasized, Pujols’ esteemed presence ensures the team prioritizes national pride above all else.
MORE: The History of Team USA in the World Baseball Classic
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Dominican Republic World Baseball Classic roster key players
The Dominican Republic’s roster boasts a mix of seasoned MLB veterans and promising young prospects on their way to the big leagues. Below is a list of prominent players expected to compete under Pujols’ leadership in the World Baseball Classic.
Joining the Dominican Republic’s coaching staff is former MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz, serving in the dual capacity of General Manager and advisor.