San Juan, Puerto Rico – Star closer Edwin Díaz has been confirmed as part of Puerto Rico’s roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. This announcement marks the pitcher’s return to the international tournament, three years after an injury that sidelined him from the 2023 Major League season.
Díaz, who recently secured a three-year, $69 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, will return to action in the Classic after overcoming a complete 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 regained his best form in the 2025 season. During that year, 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 weapons of the Puerto Rican pitching staff.
Along with Díaz, outfielder Heliot Ramos of the San Francisco Giants was also confirmed, who will make his debut in the Classic. Ramos, 26, has hit more than 20 home runs in each of the last two seasons and was selected to 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 roster with proven Major League talent, preparing for a World Baseball Classic that promises high intensity and a high competitive level in 2026.
