{"id":517940,"date":"2026-03-06T10:19:07","date_gmt":"2026-03-06T10:19:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/517940\/"},"modified":"2026-03-06T10:19:07","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T10:19:07","slug":"why-albert-pujols-is-managing-domincan-republic-in-the-2026-world-baseball-classic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/517940\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Albert Pujols is managing Domincan Republic in the 2026 World Baseball Classic"},"content":{"rendered":"

Why Albert Pujols is managing Domincan Republic in the 2026 World Baseball Classic<\/a> originally appeared on The Sporting News<\/a>. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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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.<\/p>\n

Now tasked with managing a roster of superstars who grew up idolizing him \u2014 including Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Julio Rodr\u00edguez \u2014 Pujols is on a mission to bring the DR its first WBC gold since 2013.<\/p>\n

Here’s why Pujols is the manager of the team for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.<\/p>\n

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MORE:\u00a0Full World Baseball Classic rosters<\/a><\/p>\n

Why is Albert Pujols coaching the Dominican Republic?<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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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.<\/p>\n

Managing a roster that features the likes of Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Julio Rodr\u00edguez requires a leader who has “been there and done that.”\u00a0As General Manager Nelson Cruz noted, having a leader of Pujols’ stature ensures the squad plays for the flag first.<\/p>\n

MORE:\u00a0Team USA’s World Baseball Classic history<\/a><\/p>\n

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Dominican Republic World Baseball Classic roster notable names<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Former MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz is also on the Dominican Republic’s staff as the team’s General Manager and advisor.<\/p>\n

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