Why Albert Pujols is managing Domincan Republic in the 2026 World Baseball Classic
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Why Albert Pujols is managing Domincan Republic in the 2026 World Baseball Classic originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Albert Pujols is one of the best home run hitters in MLB history, and now, he will lead a World Baseball Classic contender into battle.
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As the newly appointed manager of the Dominican Republic for the 2026 tournament, Pujols is looking to translate his Hall of Fame intuition into a championship for his home country. His hiring comes on the heels of a dominant debut in the dugout. In early 2025, Pujols led Leones del Escogido to a Dominican Winter League title and followed it up by capturing the Caribbean Series crown.
Now tasked with managing a roster of superstars who grew up idolizing him — including Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Julio Rodríguez — Pujols is on a mission to bring the DR its first WBC gold since 2013.
Here's why Pujols is the manager of the team for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
MORE: Full World Baseball Classic rosters
Why is Albert Pujols coaching the Dominican Republic?
The Dominican Republic entered the 2026 cycle with a point to prove after a stunningly early exit in the 2023 tournament, where they failed to advance past pool play despite a roster loaded with All-Stars. Pujols, who represented the D.R. as a player in the inaugural 2006 Classic, accepted the role with the goal of restoring the "Kingdom of Baseball" to its former glory.
In his first professional season as a skipper, he led Leones del Escogido to a 2024-25 Dominican Winter League (LIDOM) championship, capped by a thrilling Game 7 victory. He then followed that up by guiding the Dominican Republic to a Caribbean Series title in February 2025.
Managing a roster that features the likes of Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Julio Rodríguez requires a leader who has "been there and done that." As General Manager Nelson Cruz noted, having a leader of Pujols' stature ensures the squad plays for the flag first.
MORE: Team USA's World Baseball Classic history
Dominican Republic World Baseball Classic roster notable names
The Dominican Republic's roster includes a number of players with significant MLB experience, as well as young talent still on its way to the majors. Here is a list of notable names who will be playing for Pujols in the World Baseball Classic.
- Juan Soto
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
- Fernando Tatis Jr.
- Julio Rodríguez
- Manny Machado
- Geraldo Perdomo
- Cristopher Sánchez
- Sandy Alcántara
- Ketel Marte
- Carlos Estévez
- Camilo Doval
- José Ramírez
- Rafael Devers
Former MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz is also on the Dominican Republic's staff as the team's General Manager and advisor.