Lisbon, Portugal – February 19, 2026 – As the Caribbean Series continues to captivate baseball fans in Guadalajara, the future of several key figures in the sport remains a topic of considerable discussion. Among them is César Collins, currently serving as an advisor to the championship-winning Cangrejeros de Santurce, who is reportedly being courted by the Leones del Caracas for their vacant general manager position. However, Collins appears firmly committed to remaining with the Puerto Rican club, where he played a pivotal role in securing their recent title.
The Leones del Caracas, a storied franchise in Venezuelan professional baseball, are actively seeking a new leader following the dismissal of Luis Sojo last week, according to reports. Collins’s successful track record with teams like the Águilas del Zulia, Navegantes del Magallanes, and Tiburones de La Guaira in the Liga Venezolana de Béisbol Profesional (LVBP) has made him a popular choice among the team’s supporters. However, Collins has publicly stated his priority lies with the Cangrejeros, a team that provided him with a significant opportunity to work internationally.
Cangrejeros Remain the Priority
“At this moment, I am in conversations with Santurce, who represent my priority, as they were the ones who gave me the opportunity to work in a different country,” Collins stated, according to reports. “They trusted me to be part of a project that has now materialized with the achievement of a championship.” This sentiment underscores the strong relationship Collins has cultivated with the organization and the significance of their recent success. The Cangrejeros de Santurce clinched the Liga de Béisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente (LBPRC) title by defeating the Leones de Ponce 5-1 in a best-of-nine series, a victory that undoubtedly strengthens Collins’s ties to the team.
Despite his clear preference for Santurce, Collins acknowledges the outpouring of support from Leones fans who have expressed their desire for him to join their organization. He also recognizes the affection he receives from supporters in Puerto Rico. “I greatly value both fanbases. I receive a lot of support, and that’s why I don’t aim for to make any further statements to respect both teams,” Collins explained. This diplomatic approach highlights his respect for both organizations and his desire to navigate the situation with professionalism.
According to Collins, discussions with the Leones del Caracas have been preliminary and respectful. He indicated that he is not currently scheduled for an interview with the Venezuelan club and is unsure if one will be arranged in the near future. This suggests that the Leones’ interest, at least for the moment, may be exploratory rather than a firm pursuit. César Bernardos Collins’ LinkedIn profile confirms his current role as an advisor to the Cangrejeros de Santurce and highlights his extensive experience in Latin American baseball operations. His LinkedIn profile details his bilingual proficiency and a network exceeding 500 contacts within the industry.
Current Situation and Future Outlook
Currently, Collins is in Caracas, Venezuela, which he refers to as “home,” as evidenced by a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account. He is preparing for another campaign with the Senadores, a team within the Liga Mayor, though details of his specific role with the Senadores were not immediately available. The timing of these developments coincides with Venezuela’s preparations to host the 2027 Caribbean Series and ambitions to organize a revitalized Serie de las Américas, as reported by El Emergente. This broader context underscores the growing importance of baseball within the region and the increasing demand for experienced leadership within its professional leagues.
The dismissal of Luis Sojo as the Leones’ general manager has created a significant void in the organization. Sojo’s departure, announced last week, prompted the search for a replacement capable of steering the team towards future success. Collins’s proven ability to build winning teams, demonstrated through his previous roles with several Venezuelan clubs, has naturally positioned him as a leading candidate in the eyes of many fans. However, his current commitment to the Cangrejeros de Santurce presents a considerable obstacle to any potential move.
César Collins reacciona a la victoria de los Cangrejeros de Santurce en el inicio de la Serie del Caribe 2026 y adelanta lo que será el duelo ante Escogido. 🇵🇷⚾️
pic.twitter.com/q9q9q9q9q9— Serie del Caribe Oficial (@SerieCaribe) February 2, 2026
As evidenced by the above tweet from the official Serie del Caribe account, Collins was actively involved in the Cangrejeros’ successful start to the 2026 Caribbean Series, further solidifying his connection to the team and its fanbase. He offered insights into the team’s opening victory and looked ahead to a crucial matchup against Escogido, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to the Cangrejeros’ performance.
Omar López’s Leadership
The success of the Cangrejeros de Santurce is also attributable to the leadership of manager Omar López, a Venezuelan native. Líder Deportes reports that López guided the team to victory in the LBPRC, highlighting his strategic acumen and ability to motivate his players. Collins served as an advisor to the sporting management during this championship run, further cementing his role in the team’s triumph.
The situation presents a complex dynamic for all parties involved. The Leones del Caracas are seeking a proven leader to revitalize their franchise, while César Collins appears content with his current role with the Cangrejeros de Santurce, a team that has provided him with both professional fulfillment and championship success. The coming weeks will likely reveal whether the Leones can persuade Collins to reconsider his priorities or if he will remain committed to the Puerto Rican club.
The baseball landscape in both Venezuela and Puerto Rico is closely watching these developments. The outcome will not only impact the respective organizations but also potentially influence the broader trajectory of professional baseball in the Caribbean region.
Key Takeaways:
- César Collins is currently prioritizing his role with the Cangrejeros de Santurce.
- The Leones del Caracas have expressed interest in Collins as their new general manager.
- Collins’s success with multiple Venezuelan teams has made him a desirable candidate.
- Negotiations with Santurce are ongoing, and no interview with the Leones is currently scheduled.
The next development to watch will be any official announcement from either the Cangrejeros de Santurce or the Leones del Caracas regarding Collins’s future. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to learn whether Collins will remain with the reigning champions or embark on a new chapter with one of Venezuela’s most prominent baseball franchises. Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow baseball enthusiasts.