Baseball icon Yadier Molina steps up as manager for the 2026 World Baseball Classic competition.
Firecracker Yadi Molina Steps Up as Team Puerto Rico's Boss for the 2026 World Baseball Classic
Get ready, baby! Legendary catcher Yadier Molina is back, but this time he's taking the helm as Puerto Rico's manager for the 2026 World Baseball Classic! This isn't just a repeat performance - he's already proven his skills as skipper in the 2023 tournament.
In his debut, Yadi led Puerto Rico through the "group of death" that included powerhouse teams Venezuela and the Dominican Republic, securing a spot in the quarterfinals. Unfortunately, they couldn't quite clinch the win against Mexico, but just making it that far was an impressive feat[2][3][4].
Now, the heartthrob of the diamond is ready to do it all again, with even more passion to guide Puerto Rico to a World Baseball Classic championship. Don't think he's backing down any time soon! New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor will once again be the team captain, following in the footsteps he filled in 2023[1][2][3].
But wait, there's more - key contributors from the 2023 team like pitchers Jose Berrios, Edwin Diaz, and Marcus Stroman and position players Javier Baez, Eddie Rosario, and Enrique Hernandez are expected to return, giving Puerto Rico a solid lineup for the upcoming challenge[2].
This isn't Yadi's first rodeo - following his retirement from playing, he's found a new home in management, with a stint in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League and some time with Criollos de Caguas in the Puerto Rican league before managing Aguilas Cibaenas in the Dominican Winter League this past offseason[1][2][3][4].
And it seems like the baseball world is taking notice - he's already picking up steam as a promising manager! Should Team Puerto Rico make another run for the knockout round, Major League Baseball squads may start chanting for his services. And if Chaim Bloom's in the market for a change of face in leadership roles next year, Yadi might just be the perfect pick[1][2][3].
Pool A of the 2026 tournament will see Puerto Rico squaring off against Canada, Colombia, Cuba, and Panama, with all games taking place at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico, giving them a bit of a home-field advantage[1][2][3].
Finally, it's worth mentioning that Puerto Rico won't be the only team with a familiar face at the helm - none other than Yadi's former Cardinals teammate, Albert Pujols, will also take on managerial duties for the Dominican Republic[2]. This won't be the first time these two heavyweights collide as managers - and it sure as hell won't be the last, as both have their eyes set on managing in Major League Baseball one day soon[1][2].
Wish us luck, everybody! Let's root for Team Puerto Rico to take the big prize in the 2026 World Baseball Classic!
[1] https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/former-st-louis-cardinals-catcher-yadier-molina-to-manage-team-puerto-rico-in-2026-world-baseball-classic/[2] https://www.baseballamerica.com/articles/puerto-rico-team-manager-yadier-molina-a-perfect-choice/[3] https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/mariners/former-mariners-catcher-yadier-molina-ready-become-professional-manager[4] https://www.baseballisthebest.com/2023/03/yadier-molina-to-manage-team-puerto-rico-in-2023-world-baseball-classic/
Team Puerto Rico, led by Manager Yadier Molina, will be competing in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, eager to climb to the top after their impressive performance in the 2023 tournament. With key players like pitchers Jose Berrios, Edwin Diaz, and Marcus Stroman, along with position players Javier Baez, Eddie Rosario, and Enrique Hernandez returning, Puerto Rico is poised to put up a strong fight in the MLB style of play.
