The Puerto Rico National Team began preparations for the 2026 World Baseball Classic on Monday, holding their first practice at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers, Florida, the spring training home of the Boston Red Sox.
2026 World Baseball Classic
Group A (San Juan) presented by Discover Puerto Rico
Group B (Houston) and Group D (Miami) presented by Capital One
Under the direction of manager Yadier Molina, the Puerto Rican squad spent several hours working on fundamental aspects of the game, officially kicking off their preparation for the tournament which will begin in San Juan.
“I’m particularly happy with what I’ve seen from the guys,” Molina said following the session. “They’ve come in with a positive attitude, and practice went really well. We have a goal to come out strong every day, compete, and try to win that championship. Preparation is very significant – working on the fundamentals, making sure the players are in good shape. I think preparation is the most important thing, and that’s what we did today.”
Molina explained that the day began with a meeting with the coaching staff to outline the team’s operate plan. Puerto Rico has two exhibition games scheduled before the start of the tournament. They will face the Red Sox on Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. At JetBlue Park, and the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. At the Lee Health Sports Complex.
“The mindset is to start winning tomorrow,” Molina stated. “We’re going to proceed out there to win. Obviously, we’ll be a little careful and won’t push the guys too hard, but that mentality is there. These games are important for the pitchers to get work in, for the players to get at-bats, and, above all, to continue building that chemistry.”
Molina highlighted the integration of veteran players and newcomers as a particularly encouraging sign from the first practice. “I’m very happy with the chemistry. The veterans have clicked with the young players, and that’s very important for a winning team. With the talent we have, we’re in a good position,” he added.
He likewise praised the work of the coaching staff and General Manager Carlos Beltrán. “I’m very happy with the staff. (Carlos) Beltrán did a tremendous job bringing these players together. Having people with so much experience, champions in their own right, giving me advice and working with the young players, fills me with pride,” Molina said.
Molina also reflected on his own growth since his first experience as a manager in the 2023 Classic.
“You learn more every day,” he said. “I’m very happy with the opportunity the Federation has given me and the trust they’ve placed in me. We’re more mature, we have very good coaches alongside us, and the mindset is clear – we deserve the best when it comes to winning the championship.”
Following Wednesday’s game against Minnesota, the Puerto Rican team will travel to San Juan, the host city for Group A presented by Discover Puerto Rico. A practice will be held on Puerto Rican soil this Thursday, and the official debut will be on Friday against Colombia at Hiram Bithorn Stadium.
