Javier Báez Ineligible for 2026 World Baseball Classic Due to Suspension
Javier Báez won’t be suiting up for Team Puerto Rico in the 2026 World Baseball Classic - and the reason is pretty straightforward: he’s serving a suspension stemming from a positive marijuana test.
The Detroit Tigers shortstop tested positive for cannabis during a drug screening conducted on March 12, 2023, while participating in the 2023 WBC. That result triggered a two-year ineligibility from World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) events, running from April 26, 2024, through April 26, 2026. Unfortunately for Báez, the timing of that suspension overlaps with the 2026 WBC, which is scheduled to take place from March 5 to 17.
Now, let’s be clear - Báez didn’t break any Major League Baseball rules. MLB and the MLB Players Association removed marijuana from their list of banned substances back in 2020, treating it more like alcohol in terms of discipline and policy.
So Báez remains in good standing with both the league and the Tigers. But the WBSC, which governs international baseball competitions like the WBC, hasn’t followed suit.
Cannabis remains a banned substance under its anti-doping regulations.
There was an effort behind the scenes to find a workaround. MLB and the MLBPA reportedly worked together to try to clear Báez for WBC eligibility, but those talks didn’t lead anywhere. The WBSC held firm, and the suspension stands.
For Báez, this is a tough blow on a personal level. He’s long been one of the emotional leaders for Team Puerto Rico and a fan favorite in international play.
He represented the island in both the 2017 and 2023 tournaments, and he didn’t just show up - he showed out. Báez earned All-WBC Team honors at second base in both appearances, helping Puerto Rico to a runner-up finish in 2017 and a sixth-place showing in 2023.
Born in Puerto Rico and still calling the island home during the MLB offseason, Báez has always worn the national colors with pride. His flair, energy, and defensive wizardry have made him a staple of Puerto Rico’s WBC identity. So while he’ll still be playing in the majors this season, his absence from the 2026 WBC will be felt - both by the team and the fans who’ve come to expect his signature passion on the international stage.
For now, Báez will serve out the remainder of his suspension and continue his MLB career uninterrupted. But when the WBC kicks off in March, Puerto Rico will be without one of its most dynamic and decorated players.