Javier Báez won’t be suiting up for Puerto Rico in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, and it’s not due to injury, performance, or a change of heart. The Detroit Tigers infielder is serving a two-year suspension from international play after testing positive for marijuana during the 2023 WBC, his agent confirmed. The ban, handed down by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC), runs through April 26-about a month after this year’s tournament wraps.
It’s a tough break for Báez, who’s been a cornerstone of Puerto Rico’s national squad for years. This would’ve been his third WBC appearance, and fans were hoping to see more of the fire and flair he’s brought to the international stage.
Who could forget his no-look tag at second base in 2017? That moment wasn’t just highlight-reel material-it became a symbol of Puerto Rico’s swagger and competitive spirit during their run to the final.
In 2023, Báez once again showed up in a big way, going 7-for-19 with a homer and six RBIs. His energy, glove work, and flair have made him a fan favorite in these tournaments, and his absence will be felt-not just by Puerto Rico, but by the WBC as a whole.
It’s worth noting that Báez isn’t facing any discipline from Major League Baseball or the Tigers. MLB no longer penalizes players for marijuana use, treating it similarly to alcohol in terms of league policy.
But the WBSC operates under a different set of rules. Marijuana remains on its list of banned substances, and that means any player competing under its jurisdiction has to steer clear-even if their home league doesn’t take issue with it.
There was some effort behind the scenes to get Báez cleared for the 2026 WBC. MLB and the players’ union reportedly tried to work with the WBSC to find a solution, but ultimately, the governing body’s anti-doping policy held firm.
For Báez, now 33, the timing is especially unfortunate. While he’s still an everyday player for Detroit-he posted a .257/.282/.398 slash line with 12 homers and 57 RBIs over 126 games last season-his days of peak athleticism may be behind him. This WBC might’ve been one of his last chances to represent Puerto Rico on the international stage while still playing at a high level.
Instead, he’ll have to watch from the sidelines, as his teammates take the field without one of their emotional leaders and most dynamic players.