The Venezuelan Professional Baseball League (LVBP) is down to its most crucial stage as teams compete in the Round Robin tournament. Following a thrilling qualification period, five teams have earned their spots, setting the stage for a heated battle not only for the championship but also for individual accolades. With several managers leading impressive turnarounds and strong performances, the “Chico” Carrasquel Award for Manager of the year is wide open, featuring both seasoned veterans and a notable newcomer making a significant impact. This article profiles the leading candidates – César Isturiz, Yadier Molina, Asdrúbal Cabrera, and Henry Blanco – and their paths to contention.
The 2025-2026 Venezuelan Professional Baseball League (LVBP) season took a decisive turn on Tuesday, December 30th, with Caribes de Anzoátegui’s victory in the second game of the wildcard series against Tigres de Aragua. The win sets up a compelling race for the Manager of the Year award as the league heads into the Round Robin.
With five teams now qualified for the Round Robin, four managers have emerged as frontrunners for the prestigious “Chico” Carrasquel Award.
César Isturiz (Cardenales), Henry Blanco (Bravos), Yadier Molina (Magallanes) and Asdrúbal Cabrera (Caribes) are the leading candidates to claim the honor, all having guided their teams to the Round Robin. Lipso Nava, with Águilas del Zulia, also remains a contender.
Only the current champion and Bravos manager, along with Lipso Nava, have previously won this award. However, the impact of a Puerto Rican manager who revitalized a struggling team in December is also being heavily considered.
CÉSAR ISTURIZ (CARDENALES)
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Cardenales de Lara enjoyed a strong season, but it was their dominant performance in the second half of the schedule that propelled them to the top of the standings with a 30-26 record.
Leading the tournament gives the Venezuelan manager a significant opportunity to secure the award, potentially emulating José Moreno, the last Cardenales de Lara manager to achieve the feat.
YADIER MOLINA (MAGALLANES)
Yadier Molina’s return to the league has been a captivating story, particularly for Navegantes del Magallanes. The Puerto Rican took the reins of a team languishing in the lower standings and quickly transformed them into a formidable force.
Molina not only led Magallanes to the Round Robin but also oversaw a strong finish to the regular season, winning seven of their last ten games, including a three-game winning streak, to finish with a 29-27 record.
ASDRÚBAL CABRERA (CARIBES)
Caribes de Anzoátegui reached the Round Robin for the first time since 2021, when they faced Magallanes in the championship series. The eastern team is experiencing a memorable resurgence, largely thanks to Asdrúbal Cabrera.
The Venezuelan made an impressive debut as manager, leading the team to a 28-56 record and securing a crucial win against Tigres de Aragua in the extra series to advance to the Round Robin.
HENRY BLANCO (BRAVOS)
Bravos de Margarita placed their faith in Henry Blanco, and he delivered, building a solid team that was the first to qualify for the postseason despite a six-game losing streak at the end of the campaign.
Blanco is no stranger to this award, having previously won it in the 2015-2016 season while managing the very same island team.
SEE ALSO: Lipso Nava wins Manager of the Year again and makes history
Last season in the LVBP, Lipso Nava with Águilas del Zulia took home the honors. The veteran manager received 37 first-place votes and 13 second-place votes, totaling 124 points and surpassing Henry Blanco.
Photo: cardenalesdice
