San Juan, Puerto Rico – Edwin Díaz, the renowned closer, has been confirmed as part of the Puerto Rico team for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. This announcement marks his return to the international tournament, after overcoming a serious injury that sidelined him from the 2023 Major League season.
Díaz, who recently secured a three-year, US$69 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, returns to the Classic after a successful recovery from a rupture of the patellar tendon in his right knee. This injury occurred during the Puerto Rican team’s celebration in the 2023 edition of the tournament.
After a comeback with ups and downs in 2024, the right-handed reliever showed his best form in the 2025 season. He recorded an ERA of 1.63, achieved 28 saves, and struck out 98 batters in 66.1 innings. This performance earned him his third Reliever of the Year award, the second in the National League.
The 2026 World Baseball Classic will be the third in Díaz’s career, who is emerging as one of the main figures in Puerto Rico’s pitching staff.
Along with Díaz, the participation of outfielder Heliot Ramos of the San Francisco Giants, who will make his debut in the Classic, was also confirmed. Ramos, 26, has hit more than 20 home runs in each of the last two seasons and was selected for the All-Star Game in 2024. In his major league career, he has an offensive line of .255/.319/.418 in 312 games.
Puerto Rico continues to strengthen its team with renowned Major League players, preparing for a World Classic that promises high competition in 2026.
