Report: Pujols to be named manager of Dominican Republic for WBC

The Dominican Republic is set to name future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols as its manager for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, sources told ESPN Deportes' Enrique Rojas.

Pujols recently managed Leones del Escogido to a win in the Caribbean Series over Mexico's Charros de Jalisco. He also led the team to victory in the Dominican Winter League.

Pujols represented the Dominican Republic at the first edition of the World Baseball Classic in 2006. He posted a .912 OPS with one home run and three RBIs over seven games as the Dominican Republic eventually finished in fourth place.

The Dominicans last claimed victory at the WBC in 2013. They struggled in 2023, finishing with a 2-2 record in pool play and failed to qualify for the quarterfinals. The talented roster was managed by Rays bench coach Rodney Linares that year.