Puerto Rico Considers Withdrawing from the 2026 World Baseball Classic
San Juan – The possibility of Puerto Rico withdrawing from the 2026 World Baseball Classic is on the table. The president of the Puerto Rico Baseball Federation, José Quiles, announced this Saturday that they are seriously evaluating this option. The decision is due to restrictions that have prevented several star players from obtaining permission to participate in the tournament. The Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan will host the Group A games, where Puerto Rico will compete against Canada, Colombia, Cuba, and Panama.The World Baseball Classic will take place from March 5th to 17th. The absence of key figures has generated concern and has led the Federation to consider this drastic measure. Quiles emphasized that the final decision is near. “We are going to see what happens in these days, but the decision is almost made, that it is possible that Puerto Rico will not participate in the Classic.” One of the last players to be cut was shortstop Francisco Lindor, who will not be able to participate due to insurance restrictions after undergoing a medical procedure.If our players are not going to participate, if we cannot participate on equal terms, it has already been discussed, it has already been analyzed, we are considering not participating in this edition of the Classic.
José Quiles, President of the Puerto Rico Baseball Federation
- Carlos Correa
- Jovani Morán
- Emilio Pagán
- Alexis Díaz
- Víctor Caratini
These are other players from the ‘Team Rubio’ who have not received authorization to play.
Quiles expressed his opinion on the situation. “Those who are boycotting the Classic and hindering the Classic are the team owners.” Furthermore, he added: “I know that there will be some players who will not be able to participate, but it cannot be that the country that has had the most players withdraw their sponsorship to participate is Puerto Rico.” The president of the Federation believes that, “for dignity, Puerto Rico should not participate in the Classic”, although for now they are “issuing a warning” and will wait for the next few days to make the final decision.
