Puerto Rico evaluates withdrawing from the 2026 World Baseball Classic

Puerto Rico Considers Withdrawing from the 2026 World Baseball Classic

The president of the Puerto Rico Baseball Federation, José Quiles, has announced that the possibility of the team not participating in the next World Baseball Classic 2026 is being evaluated. This decision is due to the refusal of several key players to obtain the necessary permission to participate in the tournament.

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

The World Baseball Classic is scheduled to take place from March 5th to 17th, with Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan hosting the Group A games, where Puerto Rico, Canada, Colombia, Cuba, and Panama will compete. Quiles emphasized that the decision could be final soon.

Let’s see what happens these days, but the decision is almost made, that it is possible that Puerto Rico will not participate in the Classic.

José Quiles, President of the Puerto Rico Baseball Federation

The list of casualties has recently increased with the absence of shortstop Francisco Lindor, who will not be able to participate due to insurance restrictions after undergoing a medical procedure. Other important players from the Puerto Rican team, known as ‘Team Rubio’, have also not received permission to play in the Classic. Among them are Carlos Correa, Jovani Morán, Emilio Pagán, Alexis Díaz and Víctor Caratini. Quiles expressed his opinion on the situation, suggesting that the team owners might be hindering participation in the tournament.

Those who are boycotting the Clásico and putting a stop to the Clásico are the team owners.

José Quiles, President of the Puerto Rico Baseball Federation

The President of the Federation believes that, for reasons of dignity, Puerto Rico might not participate in the Classic, although for the moment it remains in a warning phase, awaiting developments in the coming days before making a final decision.