Puerto Rican Players and Coaches in the MLB Postseason
- Puerto Rican players, managers, and coaches enter the 2026 MLB postseason carrying on-field and economic implications for their future.
- “It’s been a roller coaster season, but just being here and knowing that the division title is back in Houston, that the crown is back, is a good...
Puerto Rican players, managers, and coaches enter the 2026 MLB postseason carrying on-field and economic implications for their future.
Houston Astros Manager Joe Espada Leads Boricua Technical Staff
Houston Astros manager Josué “Joe” Espada guided his club to the West division title despite navigating a challenging regular season marked by major injuries—including the absence of shortstop Carlos Correa—and the departure of general manager Dana Brown. Espada addressed the team’s resilience after securing the division crown on the final day of the regular season.
“It’s been a roller coaster season, but just being here and knowing that the division title is back in Houston, that the crown is back, is a good feeling,” Espada told Astros TV broadcasters.
Joe Espada
Additional Puerto Rican coaches participating in the 2026 postseason include Santos “Sandy” Alomar as first base coach for the Cleveland Guardians, Víctor Rodríguez as hitting coach for the Houston Astros, and José David Flores as a coach for the Boston Red Sox.
Rosters Feature Veteran Champions and Impact Players
On the active rosters, outfielder Heliot Ramos enters the postseason after splitting the year between the San Francisco Giants and the New York Yankees, batting .242 with 13 home runs and 45 runs batted in. Los Angeles Dodgers utility player Enrique “Kike” Hernández returns to October play with multiple World Series rings, bringing postseason experience to a Dodgers squad seeking a third title. Catcher Christian Vázquez provides veteran depth and past championship experience behind the plate for the Astros.
On the pitching side, relief pitcher Edwin Díaz bolsters the Dodgers’ bullpen after finishing the regular season with strong performances. Jovani Morán of the Red Sox is positioned to contend for a roster spot in the series against the Yankees. Meanwhile, injuries sideline several prominent Boricuas, including Carlos Correa of the Astros, Fernando Cruz of the Yankees, and Joe Jiménez of the Atlanta Braves.