Detroit Tigers All-Star Javier Báez has been ruled ineligible to play for Puerto Rico in the 2026 World Baseball Classic after testing positive for marijuana during the 2023 tournament, The Athletic's Cody Stavenhagen reports.

Puerto Rico has long been a baseball power on the international scene and finished as runner-up in the WBC in both 2017 and 2013. As for the 2026 tournament, the United States is widely regarded as the favorites going in with a roster that includes the likes of Aaron Judge, Bobby Witt Jr., Tarik Skubal, Paul Skenes, and others.

Detroit Tigers shortstop Javier Báez won't play for Team Puerto Rico in the 2026 World Baseball Classic due to a two-year suspension for marijuana.

Tigers shortstop Javier Báez will miss the 2026 World Baseball Classic due to a marijuana ban, adding to Puerto Rico’s growing WBC crisis.

The 2026 World Baseball Classic roster has been set, and top players' jerseys from each of the WBC teams are now available for purchase.

The Toronto Blue Jays pitcher has been one of several players unable to get approval for the international tournament

Puerto Rico is considering withdrawing from the 2026 World Baseball Classic after insurance issues ruled out Francisco Lindor, Carlos Correa, and others. The post Why Puerto Rico Is Considering Withdrawing From the 2026 World Baseball Classic appeared first on Heavy Sports.

However, according to Mike Mayer of Metsmerized Online, the roster news on Lindor, Correa, and Baez was revealed, and unfortunately for the trio of stars, their hope to play for Team Puerto Rico won't be met, as none of the three will play in the WBC.

Los Angeles Dodgers closer Edwin Díaz is looking to shake off some demons at the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The closer announced he would pitch for Puerto Rico once again in the event, three years after he sustained a season-ending knee injury during a celebration on the mound of a WBC game.