Francisco Lindor will be the biggest absence from the Puerto Rican roster that will be in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Who was going to be the captain of the so-called “Team Rubio” will not be able to defend the colors of his country because he does not have insurance that protects his 2026 salary against a possible injury during the event.
Despite the efforts of Carlos Beltrán, general manager of the Puerto Rican team and member of the Cooperstown Hall of Fame, manager Yadier Molina will not be able to have Lindor at shortstop, something that the player himself regretted on his social networks.
“I feel deep sadness for the fans of Puerto Rico. This hurts me more than many imagine. As an athlete, there is no greater pride than representing my country, and not being able to do so leaves a void in my heart,” Lindor began on his social networks.
“Even so, I will always be part of the Puerto Rico team and I will support them, even if it is from a distance. This is the time to support those who will be there, because in the end the important thing is the name we wear on the shirt. Puerto Rico will always be in my heart. I love them very much,” he concluded.
Francisco Lindor on not being able to participate in the World Baseball Classic:
(translated from Spanish)
“I feel deeply sorry for the fans of Puerto Rico. This hurts more than many would realize. As an athlete, there is no greater pride than representing your country, and not… pic.twitter.com/rjpD1j83bj
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) February 6, 2026
Why can’t Lindor, Correa and Báez play for Puerto Rico?
During the weekend it was announced that Francisco Lindor, Carlos Correa and Javier Báez could not be in the international tournament in March because the first two did not pass the health insurance protocols and Báez faces a suspension for testing positive for marijuana use.
New York Mets shortstop Lindor had an elbow procedure this offseason, while Correa, who returned to the Houston Astros in 2025, has a long history of injuries.
In the end, the Puerto Rico Baseball Federation together with Carlos Beltrán advocated for making the rules more flexible, achieving other additions for the Classic.
Los Angeles Dodgers closer Edwin Díaz and New York Yankees reliever Fernando Cruz were confirmed for the event this week. Heliot Ramos of the San Francisco Giants and Nolan Arenado of the Arizona Diamondbacks also received insurance clearance to play.
“We raise our voices not so much for the position players, but for the pitchers. And the majority of the pitchers we requested have already received permission,” said the president of the federation, José Quiles.
Puerto Rico will host the event, at the Hiram Bithorn Stadium from March 6 to 11.
