After a decade of standout defense, clutch hitting, and representing Colombia on baseball’s biggest stages, Gio Urshela is beginning a new chapter, trading his glove for a lineup card as the new manager of Team Colombia.
Just days after officially announcing his retirement from professional baseball, the Colombian Baseball Federation named the Cartagena native manager of Team Colombia for the upcoming Central American and Caribbean Games.
The move signals the beginning of a new era for one of Colombia’s most respected baseball figures. After spending 10 seasons competing at the highest level of the sport, the former Major League Baseball infielder now takes on the responsibility of helping develop the next generation of talent while continuing to elevate Colombia’s growing presence on the international stage.
Bienvenido! Gio Urshela es manager de los centroamericanos. ???????? pic.twitter.com/f14z3iaUtS
— Federación Colombiana de Béisbol (@FCBeisbol) May 22, 2026
Urshela’s transition into the managerial role comes at an important moment, with the Central American and Caribbean Games scheduled for July 24 through Aug. 8, 2026, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
After a decade in MLB, Urshela will now turns his focus toward leading the Colombian national program that he represented throughout his playing career. Known for his defense, hitting, versatility, and consistency on the field, Urshela brings valuable experience and leadership to the national team’s dugout.
Urshela delivered his best offensive season with the New York Yankees in 2019, batting .314 with 21 home runs, 74 RBIs, and a .534 slugging percentage across 132 games. He established himself as one of the American League’s top defensive third basemen, posting a .992 fielding percentage during the 2020 season.
Urshela’s hiring has generated excitement throughout Colombian baseball, as supporters and players alike look forward to seeing the former big leaguer bring his experience and competitive mindset into the dugout.
Throughout his career, Urshela earned respect not only for his production on the field, but also for his leadership, professionalism, and commitment to his teammates.
On the international stage, Urshela represented Colombia in multiple editions of the World Baseball Classic, playing an important role for the national team in the 2017, 2023, and 2026 tournaments.
For Colombia, Urshela’s hiring as the national team’s manager represents far more than a routine managerial change. It keeps one of the country’s most accomplished baseball figures directly involved in the continued growth of Colombian baseball as the national program continues to gain recognition on the international stage.
Photo: Athletics third baseman Gio Urshela throws to first after fielding a by Houston Astros’ Brice Matthews during the eighth inning of a baseball game July 24, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)
