• Loading stock data...
Saturday, September 13, 2025
Tuned In is Almost Sold Out! Limited Tickets Remain!

MLB Looks To Pujols For Help With Talent-Rich Dominican Republic

  • Manfred appoints future Hall of Famer as a special assistant
  • Country is MLB’s largest non-U.S. source of player talent, with Dominicans to earn more than $500 million this year
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Major League Baseball is turning to future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols to help in one of its most important — and problematic — international territories.

League commissioner Rob Manfred named Pujols, who completed a legendary 22-season playing career in 2022, as a special assistant focusing primarily on player relations and other issues in the slugger’s native Dominican Republic.

The Caribbean country is by far MLB’s largest source of non-U.S. player talent, with 104 Dominicans earning spots on 2023 Opening Day rosters, a figure 68% larger than second-place Venezuela. Those Dominican players will collectively be paid more than a half-billion dollars this season, led by San Diego outfielder Juan Soto’s $23 million salary.

But the country has long been a hotbed of corruption within its amateur player development, fueled in part by the strong lure of MLB as a ticket out of local poverty. Pujols’ presence could also revive MLB’s long-running efforts to implement an international draft.

Power Consultants

In addition to the consultant role, Pujols will work as an on-air analyst for the league-owned MLB Network starting Tuesday. Pujols joins a growing list of former MLB players holding consultant or staff roles with the league, including Ken Griffey Jr., Cal Ripken Jr., Joe Torre, CC Sabathia, and Raul Ibanez.

“He cares greatly about making a difference in our communities,” Manfred said of Pujols. “We are excited for Albert to join other former players who are doing important work for our sport.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.

Cubs, Yankees, NFL Honor Charlie Kirk

The Green Bay moment was planned by the league.
Sep 8, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (22) runs to first base during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.

The $339 Million Mets Are in Jeopardy of Missing the Playoffs

The Mets’ wild-card lead is 1.5 games with 15 remaining in the regular season.

Dexter Fowler Wants to Change the Narrative on Athlete Ownership

The former MLB All-Star owns a stake in Premier League team Bournemouth.

Featured Today

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.
Sep 7, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills fans react during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Highmark Stadium.
September 9, 2025

As Bills Ascend, Their Next Frontier Lies in Canada

Buffalo and the powerful Canadian entity MLSE come together in a new pact.
opinion
September 9, 2025

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly from NFL’s Week 1 Broadcasts

Many viewers decried the addition of ads to “NFL RedZone.”
Sep 11, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (24) dribbles past Golden State Valkyries forward Janelle Salaun (13) in the second half at Target Center.

As WNBA Grows, Engelbert Says Its Playoff Field Won’t for a While

Eight of thirteen WNBA teams made the playoffs this year.
Jun 27, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; A view of a Wilson basketball and the Dallas Wings logo during the game between the Wings and the Indiana Fever at the American Airlines Center.
September 11, 2025

Democratic Women’s Caucus Urges WNBA to End CBA Stalemate

The league and WNBPA must reach an agreement by Oct. 31.
September 12, 2025

UEFA Delays Overseas Matches Ruling As LaLiga Miami Game Looms

Barcelona-Villarreal is scheduled for late December at Hard Rock Stadium.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
Feb 15, 2025; San Francisco, CA, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver speaks in a press conference during All Star Saturday Night ahead of the 2025 NBA All Star Game at Chase Center.
September 11, 2025

Silver Says Free Highlights Are an Issue As NBA Begins $77B Deal

Silver called basketball a “highlight-based sport.”
September 11, 2025

Greg Norman Leaves LIV As Golf World Continues to Shift

Norman relinquished the league’s CEO role in January.
September 11, 2025

Trump’s Golf Empire Grows With 5th Big Tournament in 2 Years

The DP World Tour is heading to Trump International Golf Links Ireland.
September 11, 2025

Kaprizov’s Record Contract Rejection Highlights NHL’s New World

The declined contract would have set records for overall and annual value.