MLB legend Albert Pujols to manage Dominican Republic at World Baseball Classic 2026

General Manager Nelson Cruz announced that legendary Major League Baseball (MLB) slugger Albert Pujols will manage the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic 2026. Pujols represented the Dominican Republic as a player in the inaugural World Baseball Classic in 2006.

"It's an honour and a pleasure," Pujols commented. "This responsibility makes me immensely proud. I'm aware it will be a challenge. We must be united from day one and commit to victory. I want to select the best team possible."

The Dominican Baseball Federation (FEDOBE) stated in a press release that the Commission, chaired by Juan Marichal and including other Dominican baseball icons Vladimir Guerrero, Pedro Martínez, Adrián Beltré, David Ortiz and Edwin Encarnación, reached the decision unanimously.

"We are bringing in a manager with a lot of leadership and confidence," commented Cruz. "He will help us achieve the crown we have been waiting for [since 2013]. Now we need the support of every Dominican, all united for the same cause - the 2026 World Baseball Classic title."

Pujols, 45, is fourth in the MLB all-time home run ranking. He hit 703 in a 22-year playing career. Only Barry Bonds (762), Hank Aaron (755) and Babe Ruth (714) have done better.

Cruz is No. 37 on the same list with 464.

Pujols led the Escogido Leones to the Dominican Professional League (LIDOM) pennant in his first managerial job.