MLB - Detroit Tigers shortstop Javier Báez is ineligible to play for Team Puerto Rico in the 2026 World Baseball Classic after testing positive for marijuana during the previous tournament.
The positive test, which occurred during the 2023 event, resulted in a two-year suspension from World Baseball Softball Confederation events. The ineligibility period runs from April 26, 2024, to April 26, 2026. A league source confirmed Thursday that the WBSC was unwilling to bend its drug policy to allow his participation.
Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association worked together to try to restore the shortstop’s eligibility. However, the confederation maintained its stance on the positive test.
Báez will not face discipline from the Tigers or MLB because the major leagues have allowed marijuana use since 2020. He did not violate any MLB rules during the 2023 tournament.
The shortstop has a history with the national team, having played for Puerto Rico in the WBC in 2017 and 2023. He also has a tattoo of the Puerto Rican flag on one of his arms.
Ten other Tigers players are still scheduled to participate in the international tournament.
Pitcher Tarik Skubal will represent the United States, while Gleyber Torres, Keider Montero, and Enmanuel De Jesus will play for Venezuela.
Other Detroit players set to compete include Woo-Suk Go and Jahmai Jones for Korea, Duque Hebbert for Nicaragua, Kenley Jansen for the Netherlands, Hao Yu Lee for Chinese Taipei, and Carlos Lequerica for Israel.
The World Baseball Classic is scheduled to begin on March 5th.