SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO — Following a recent statement released by the Major League Baseball Players Association, New York Mets superstar shortstop and two-time LatinoMVP Award recipient Francisco Lindor will not be able to represent Team Puerto Rico in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
The MLBPA stated:
“Due to the cleanup procedure that Francisco Lindor had on his right elbow earlier this offseason, he will not be participating for Team Puerto Rico in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. 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.”
Francisco Lindor will not able to serve as Puerto Rico’s team captain and participate in the 2026 WBC due to insurance constraints – Image Credit: George Napolitano/Latino Sports
This is a major setback for Team Puerto Rico, as insurance limitations related to Lindor’s recent elbow procedure prevent coverage in the event of another injury has caused many in Puerto Rico to question this decision.
Lindor’s absence is an enormous loss for the whole island, and the team is also expected to be without José Berríos, Carlos Correa, Alexis Díaz, Kiké Hernández, and Emilio Pagán, among others. Losing several of its top stars places Puerto Rico at a significant disadvantage heading into the international tournament.
“I’m definitely upset because I’ve been preparing really hard this offseason to get better this year and be ready early so I can be ready for the WBC,” Correa told The Athletic. “I also understand the business side of things and that’s too big of a risk to take, to play with no insurance.”
Puerto Rico will be without some of the island’s top players in the game in the 2026 WBC as Francisco Lindor, Carlos Correa and José Berríos were each denied insurance – Image Credit: Bill Menzel and Emma Sharon/Latino Sports
There are also rumors circulating that the President of the Puerto Rico Baseball Federation José Quiles is considering submitting a letter to Major League Baseball to withdraw Puerto Rico from the 2026 WBC, citing concerns about competing on the world stage without its star players fielding what some fear would resemble a minor league level roster on the world stage.
“This is obviously a major disappointment and setback for Team Puerto Rico, who will not have their superstars playing on this global stage,” said Julio Pabón, Founder and President of Latino Sports.
Jorge Medina, President of Jogi Sports, added: “Losing such a prolific player puts Team Puerto Rico at a major disadvantage. In addition, this is a disappointment for so many Puerto Rican fans who were looking forward to seeing Lindor play—especially those who have never seen him play in the Major Leagues and were hoping to watch him represent Puerto Rico in the WBC.”
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