The Dominican Republic has chosen former St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Angels star Albert Pujols as its next manager for the 2026 World Baseball Classic and will make the announcement official sometime in March,

The Dominican Republic has a new manager for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, and it stands to be a popular hire. Albert Pujols has been chosen to take over the D.R.'s dugout as it attempts to win its second WBC title, according to ESPN. Nelson Cruz, the team's general manager, reportedly plans to make an official announcement by the end of March.

After leading Leones del Escogido to the Dominican Republic Professional Baseball League (LIDOM) championship in the 2024-25 winter season -- his first managerial experience -- followed by the 2025 Caribbean Series crown in Mexicali earlier this month,

Albert Pujols is ready to chase another title. According to multiple reports on Friday, Pujols is set to return to the World Baseball Classic in 2026 as a member of the Dominican Republic squad— this time as the team’s manager.

ESPN’s Enrique Rojas reports that Albert Pujols will be the manager for the Dominican Republic at the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Pujols recently led Leones del Escogido to the Dominican Professional Baseball League (LIDOM) title last month and the Caribbean Series championship,

Albert Pujols will manage the Dominican Republic national team in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Rising from a successful player and manager stint with Los Leones del Escogido, he has assembled a stellar coaching team including David Ortiz and Pedro Martínez.