Yadier Molina is back where he belongs—leading Team Puerto Rico at the World Baseball Championships.
The legendary St. Louis Cardinals catcher and Puerto Rican icon will return to the dugout as manager of Puerto Rico for the next World Baseball Classic in 2026, the team officially announced. After guiding Puerto Rico to a quarterfinals appearance in 2023, Molina is ready to run it back and chase even greater glory in 2026.
Is Yadier Molina also starring in a movie? Maybe.
Yadier Molina Proudly Returns to His Roots
Though Molina’s name is forever tied to the Cardinals, his heart has always beat for Puerto Rico. He’s represented his home island on baseball’s biggest international stage, suiting up in four WBC tournaments (2006, 2009, 2013, 2017)—first backing up Iván Rodríguez, then taking over as Puerto Rico’s trusted starting catcher.
Following his retirement in 2022, Molina immediately shifted gears, taking on the managerial role for Puerto Rico in the 2023 WBC, where he led a dynamic team to the tournament’s final eight. He brings consistency, pride, and purpose to the Puerto Rican program on the world stage.
Yadi rocking the blond locks in his Peurto Rico uniform:
Yadier Molina Growing his Managerial Resume
Molina isn’t just a figurehead—he’s earning his keep in the dugout. Since stepping away from MLB playing days, he’s managed:
- Puerto Rico’s U-23 team
- Navegantes del Magallanes in the Venezuelan Winter League
- Criollos de Caguas in Puerto Rico’s Roberto Clemente League
- And in the prestigious Caribbean Series
And with less than a year to go until WBC 2026, his experience is only sharpening.
A Legend Returns to the Global Stage
Molina’s playing career needs no introduction:
- 19 seasons with the Cardinals
- 2,168 hits, 1,022 RBIs, 176 home runs, and 9 Gold Gloves
- 10 All-Star selections, 2 World Series titles, and 173 defensive runs saved
- A career 41.7 WAR and the eternal respect of players and fans across generations
Now he’s bringing that same intensity, IQ, and leadership to a new generation of Puerto Rican stars.
St. Louis in the Spotlight
Molina won’t be the only former Cardinal leading a team in 2026.
- Albert Pujols is set to manage the Dominican Republic, while
- Mark DeRosa will return as Team USA’s manager—DeRosa, of course, played with both Molina and Pujols during his time in St. Louis (2008–2009)
What’s Ahead in 2026
Puerto Rico will host Pool A of the WBC in San Juan, where they’ll take on Cuba, Canada, Panama, and Colombia between March 6 and 11. Quarterfinals will be held in Houston, with the semis and finals set for Miami.
With Molina at the helm, a home-field crowd behind them, and global stakes on the line, Puerto Rico’s 2026 World Baseball Classic campaign already feels electric.
