Alex Cintrón, Joey Cora & Sandy Alomar Jr. named to coaching staff for 2026 World Baseball Classic

By The Star Staff

Puerto Rico Baseball Federation (FBPR) President José Daniel Quiles announced earlier this week the appointment of Alex Cintrón, Joey Cora and Sandy Alomar Jr. as part of the national team’s coaching staff for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

“Alex Cintrón, Joey Cora, and Sandy Alomar Jr. represent knowledge, experience, and commitment,” Quiles said Monday in a written statement. “They are highly respected figures with a track record and are active in Major League Baseball.”

Cintrón will repeat as bench coach, while Cora will be in charge of third base and Alomar Jr. will serve as first base coach. It was the first of three announcements the FBPR will make regarding the coaching staff for the team led by Yadier Molina.

General Manager Carlos Beltrán highlighted the caliber of the group, assuring that everyone shares the commitment to representing Puerto Rico with professionalism and dedication. Cintrón, for his part, thanked the FBPR for its support and expressed pride in wearing the national colors again, after serving as a bench coach in the 2023 edition.

Cora and Alomar Jr. will have their first experience in the tournament. Both agreed that representing Puerto Rico is an honor and a unique opportunity to showcase the island’s passion and talent on a global stage.

Cintrón played nine seasons in the majors and is currently the hitting coach for the Houston Astros, with whom he has won two World Series championships. He participated as a player in the first Classic in 2006.

Cora had an 11-year career as an infielder and has coached in various organizations, including the Detroit Tigers.

Alomar Jr. played 20 years in the majors, was a six-time All-Star, and has been part of the Cleveland Guardians’ coaching staff since 2010.