On Wednesday, Venezuela officially announced its coaching and technical staff for the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC), unveiling a lineup filled with familiar names and decorated careers. Spearheaded by manager Omar López, the staff brings a wealth of Major League Baseball experience and a deep connection to Venezuelan baseball history.
Oficial, cuerpo técnico de Venezuela para el Clásico Mundial de Béisbol:
– Omar López, Manager
– Robinson Chirinos / Coach de Banca
– Johan Santana / Coach de Pitcheo
– Jorge Córdova / Coach de Bullpen
– Miguel Cabrera / Coach de Bateo
– Carlos "Beto" Mendez / Coach de Bateo
-…— Daniel Álvarez-Montes (@DanielAlvarezEE) July 30, 2025
Official Coaching and Technical Staff Roster for Team Venezuela – 2026 WBC:
A Staff Steeped in WBC and MLB Legacy
Many of the staff members are not only former MLB stars but also veterans of the World Baseball Classic themselves. Miguel Cabrera, perhaps the most iconic Venezuelan hitter of his generation, played in all five previous editions of the WBC (2006, 2009, 2013, 2017, 2023), hitting home runs in each of the first four tournaments. His return as a hitting coach marks a symbolic passing of the torch.
Johan Santana, one of the most dominant pitchers of the 2000s, is etched in WBC history as the man who threw the first pitch ever in a WBC game held in North America during the 2006 tournament. Though injuries shortened his playing career, Santana’s presence as pitching coach brings both prestige and wisdom to the staff.
Joining them are other notable figures:
Eyes on a Star-Studded 2026 Roster
Manager Omar López, who previously led Venezuela to a strong showing in the 2023 WBC, will have no shortage of talent to work with in 2026. The potential roster could include Ronald Acuña Jr., the 2023 NL MVP, rising young star Jackson Chourio, slugger Eugenio Suárez and versatile infielder Maikel García. With a blend of established MLB talent and up-and-coming youth, Venezuela is poised to field one of the most competitive teams in the tournament.
The Road to Glory Begins in March
Venezuela will open its 2026 WBC campaign on March 6 against the Kingdom of the Netherlands, followed by matchups with Israel and Nicaragua. The group stage will conclude with a high-stakes showdown against regional powerhouse Dominican Republic on March 11, a game that could determine seeding—or even survival.
Despite being rich in talent, Venezuela has yet to claim a WBC championship and hasn’t reached the semifinals since 2009. With a deeply experienced staff and a new generation of stars ready to make their mark, the 2026 tournament represents a golden opportunity for Venezuela to finally capture that elusive title.
As the countdown to March begins, one thing is clear: Venezuela is all-in.
Photo: Venezuela’s Anthony Santander (25) is congratulated by his teammates after he scored on a hit by Eugenio Suarez in the fourth inning of a World Baseball Classic game against Venezuela, Tuesday, March 14, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)