Javier Baez has been suspended from the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) after testing positive for marijuana during the last tournament, dealing a fresh blow to Team Puerto Rico ahead of next year’s competition.
The three-time MLB All-Star will remain ineligible until 26 April 2026, meaning he cannot take part in the WBC, which begins in early March 2026.
The decision has reportedly frustrated Major League Baseball officials, but international organisers have refused to change their ruling.
The story matters because Puerto Rico’s national side has already struggled to build a full-strength squad, with injuries and insurance problems ruling out several major names.
Why has Javier Baez been banned from the World Baseball Classic?
According to a report by The Athletic, Baez tested positive for marijuana during the 2023 World Baseball Classic, triggering an automatic punishment under World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) rules.
The WBSC imposed a two-year ban from all of its sanctioned events, covering the period from:
- 26 April 2024
- to 26 April 2026
That timeline means Baez will still be banned when the WBC begins in March 2026, leaving him unable to play for Puerto Rico.
What did MLB and the players’ union try to do?
The report claims both Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association (MLBPA) attempted to restore Baez’s eligibility, but the WBSC refused to soften its stance.
This is partly because MLB and international baseball do not follow the same rules when it comes to marijuana.
MLB has permitted marijuana use since the 2020 season, meaning Baez has not broken any MLB rules and will not face any punishment at the club level.
How is Puerto Rico being affected by the WBC eligibility crisis?
Baez’s suspension adds to growing concerns within Puerto Rico’s camp, as the team has already faced major selection problems.
Several top players have reportedly been ruled out due to injury issues and insurance restrictions, including Mets star shortstop Francisco Lindor.
The MLBPA confirmed Lindor is unavailable due to tournament insurance limits after he underwent debridement surgery on his right elbow in October.
In a statement quoted by The Athletic, the players’ union said: “Francisco is obviously disappointed that he will be unable to participate.
However, because of WBC insurance constraints, he is ineligible to play in WBC games. He will participate fully in all spring training activities.”
Other big-name players said to be unavailable include:
- Carlos Correa (Houston Astros)
- Jose Berrios (Toronto Blue Jays)
- Victor Caratini (Minnesota Twins)
Could Puerto Rico withdraw from the World Baseball Classic?
Puerto Rico’s team officials have not ruled out pulling out of the tournament altogether, depending on whether they can find enough replacement players.
Team operations manager Joey Sola told The Athletic that withdrawal was being discussed.
He said, “That option is on the table. It obviously will depend upon if we can figure out the substitute players.”
If Puerto Rico withdrew, it would mark a dramatic moment for the tournament, as the country has traditionally been one of the WBC’s most passionate and competitive teams.
Why do WBSC marijuana rules differ from MLB rules?
The confusion comes from the fact that the World Baseball Softball Confederation applies international anti-doping rules that differ from MLB’s domestic policies.
While MLB removed marijuana from its banned substances list in 2020, international organisers still treat it as a prohibited drug in competition settings.
This creates a major clash for players, especially those who compete under MLB rules most of the year but must follow stricter standards in international tournaments.
What happens next for Javier Baez?
Baez will remain free to play in Major League Baseball without restriction, but he will be barred from participating in any WBSC-sanctioned events until late April 2026.
That means he could still return to international play later in 2026, but he will miss the biggest event, the World Baseball Classic, entirely.
For Puerto Rico, it means losing another major star at a time when the squad is already struggling to secure key players.
