Popular Former Seattle Mariners Infielder Earns Big Role at World Baseball Classic
In this story:
Congratulations are in order for former Seattle Mariners infielder Joey Cora, who has earned a coaching position with Team Puerto Rico at the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Cora will helm third base for manager Yadier Molina. He's currently the third base coach for the Detroit Tigers.
Los expeloteros Alex Cintrón, Joey Cora y Sandy Alomar Jr. serán parte del cuerpo técnico de Puerto Rico en el #WBC2026 🇵🇷 pic.twitter.com/f7mFgtQYvj
— Jorge J. Muñiz Ortiz (@jorgejmuniz) August 4, 2025
As a player, Cora spent 11 years in the big leagues with the San Diego Padres, Mariners, Chicago White Sox and Cleveland. He was most prominent with the Mariners, playing for Seattle from 1995-1998. He helped the Mariners reach the playoffs in 1995 and 1997. He was an integral part of the 1995 team that beat the Yankees in the American League Division Series and advanced to the ALCS.
An All-Star in 1997, he was a .277 career hitter. He popped 30 career homers and drove in 294 runs. He also stole 117 bases.
Little Joey Cora, big blast! 💥
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) March 21, 2020
Mariners 1️⃣, Yankees 0️⃣ pic.twitter.com/IKMeflSqTH
He's coached in several organizations, including the White Sox, where he helped the team win the World Series in 2005. He's also been with the Miami Marlins, New York Mets and Pittsburgh Pirates.
Cora will be far from the only Mariners tie-in to the World Baseball Classic. Catcher Cal Raleigh has already committed to playing for Team USA and it seems likely that Andres Munoz and Randy Arozarena (Mexico) will play. Julio Rodriguez also figures to play for the Dominican Republic as well.
Team Japan is the reigning champion of the WBC, having beaten Team USA in 2023 final. The tournament begins next March, during spring training. The rosters will be finalized over the next several months.
Related Stories on Seattle Mariners
NEW PODCAST IS HERE: Brady is back on a Friday, talking about the sweep of the Chicago White Sox, the chase for the American League West crown and much more, including the idea of giving Randy Arozarena a contract extension. Furthermore, we're joined by Everett AquaSox manager Zach Vincej, who talked about a great season down on the farm. CLICK HERE:
GAME 1 FUN?: The Mariners have to actually make the playoffs, but if they do, which pitcher should start game one of a series? CLICK HERE:
LUIS TORRENS SIGHTING: The former Mariners catcher took the mound for the Mets on Monday, making some history, but M's fans have already seen that. CLICK HERE:
Follow Seattle Mariners on SI on social media
Continue to follow our Inside the Mariners coverage on social media by liking us on Facebook and by following Teren Kowatsch and Brady Farkas on "X" @Teren_Kowatsch and @RefuseToLosePod. You can subscribe to the "Refuse to Lose" podcast by clicking HERE.
