Altuve will miss the 2026 World Baseball Classic
The prominent Venezuelan player José Altuve will not participate in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The decision, according to a source close to the team, is due to the request of the Houston Astros, who want Altuve to remain with the organization during Spring Training.
Although there is still no official confirmation from the club, this news marks an unexpected turn for the tournament. Altuve had expressed his desire to represent Venezuela in the event during the Astros’ annual FanFest.
The manager of the Venezuelan national team, Omar López, who is also a bench coach for Houston, had anticipated that Altuve would be the starting second baseman and third batter for the team.
The Astros’ stance is based on medical considerations. In the 2023 World Baseball Classic, Altuve suffered a fracture in his right thumb, an injury that required surgery and kept him out of action for a considerable time.
Upon his return, Altuve demonstrated solid offensive performance, but faced discomfort in his right foot at the end of the 2025 season, which required a procedure. Despite this, the player has assured he feels fully recovered.
In the past season, Altuve played in several positions, including second base, designated hitter, and left fielder. It is expected that in 2026 he will return to second base on a regular basis.
At 36 years old, Altuve continues to consolidate a career with Hall of Fame potential, highlighted by his three batting titles, the American League MVP award in 2017, two World Series rings, seven Silver Bats, and nine All-Star selections.
The Venezuelan will start the season with 2,388 hits, the second-highest amount in Astros history, and is 112 hits away from reaching 2,500, maintaining his path towards the 3,000-hit club. Altuve has a contract with Houston for four more seasons.
The Venezuelan national team, located in Group D of the World Baseball Classic, will play an exhibition game against the Astros on March 3, before its debut in the group stage on March 6 against the Netherlands, followed by matches with Israel, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic.
