Albert Pujols Defines Closing Strategy for the 2026 World Baseball Classic
Santo Domingo, RD. – The Dominican Republic team leader, Albert Pujols, has made it clear that the closer role in the upcoming 2026 World Baseball Classic is not assigned to any particular pitcher. The team’s strategy will focus on using the reliever who best suits the demands of each game situation. During a press conference at the Quisqueya Juan Marichal Stadium, Pujols explained that this decision is due to the intense and short-term nature of the tournament.Among the possible candidates to assume the responsibility for the closing are prominent names. Carlos Estévez, who led the American League in saves last season with 42 rescues for the Kansas City Royals, is one of the main candidates. Camilo Doval, Dennis Santana and Abner Uribe could also have important roles in the final innings. Pujols highlighted that the current situation differs from that of the 2013 World Baseball Classic, where Fernando Rodney established himself as the primary closer. The leader reiterated that the coaching staff’s strategy will be based on the game situation, choosing the pitcher who offers the best chances of securing the last three outs.“There is no ego. We are not going to give that position to anyone,” Pujols affirmed, emphasizing that the priority will be the pitcher’s performance at the key moment.
Albert Pujols
