Why Jorge Posada is coaching for Italy in the 2026 World Baseball Classic
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Why Jorge Posada is coaching for Italy in the 2026 World Baseball Classic originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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The transition of Jorge Posada from a legendary Yankees catcher to an assistant coach for Italy for the 2026 World Baseball Classic is a story of mentorship and a deep connection to his former teammate.
For a program looking to establish itself as a consistent threat to the world's baseball powers, placing a five-time World Series champion in the dugout represents an infusion of championship DNA into a roster hungry for a deep postseason run.
While his resume as a five-time All-Star and four-time World Series winner makes him an obvious choice for leadership, his motivations for joining the staff go deeper than just returning to the field.
Here is why the Yankees icon is coaching the Italian squad into battle.
MORE: Full World Baseball Classic rosters
Why is Jorge Posada coaching Italy?
After a storied 17-year career spent entirely in pinstripes, Posada’s jump into coaching comes at the request of his former mentee, Francisco Cervelli. When Cervelli was named manager of the Italian National Team, Posada was the first person he called. The two shared the field in New York from 2008 to 2011, a period during which Posada served as a mentor to the young catcher. Their bond was so strong that when Cervelli pitched the idea of Posada joining his staff, it only took five minutes for the legendary backstop to call back.
One of the most compelling reasons for Posada's presence in 2026 is his desire to give back to the game alongside a lifelong friend. While he joked that he doesn't know much Italian and hopes his Spanish will help him communicate, his role as an assistant hitting coach is focused on providing "another set of experienced eyes." By joining Italy Posada is helping Cervelli build a long-term culture of winning, using his immense postseason experience to guide a team that views itself as the tournament's ultimate underdog.
MORE:Most World Baseball Classic wins by country
Italy World Baseball Classic roster notable names
Italy's roster includes a number of players with significant MLB experience, as well as young talent still on its way to the majors. Here is a list of notable names who will be playing for Cervelli in the World Baseball Classic.
- Aaron Nola
- Vinnie Pasquantino
- Jac Caglianone
- Michael Lorenzen
- Kyle Teel
- Sam Aldegheri
- Nicky Lopez
- Adam Ottavino
Former MLB outfielder Chris Denorfia is also on Italy's coaching staff as the team's hitting coach.