Edwin Díaz Set to Represent Puerto Rico in 2026 World Baseball Classic as Dodgers Embrace Global Stage
With spring training just around the corner and the Super Bowl week serving as the unofficial countdown clock, the baseball world is also turning its attention to the 2026 World Baseball Classic. And the Los Angeles Dodgers, already stacked with international talent, are sending another star to the global stage: All-Star closer Edwin Díaz.
Díaz will suit up for Team Puerto Rico for the third time in his career, adding to an already impressive list of Dodgers heading to the WBC. He joins Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Japan), Will Smith (USA), and Hyeseong Kim (Korea), giving the Dodgers a truly global footprint heading into the spring.
For Díaz, this WBC appearance carries a little extra weight. The last time he pitched in the tournament - back in 2023 - he was lights-out on the mound, throwing two scoreless appearances, striking out four, and locking down a save.
But his dominant performance was overshadowed by a freak injury during a postgame celebration. After Puerto Rico’s emotional win over the Dominican Republic, Díaz tore the patellar tendon in his right knee while jumping on the mound, an injury that ended his season before it even began.
Now healthy and with a fresh start in Los Angeles, Díaz is looking to turn the page. The Dodgers clearly believe in his ability to bounce back - they signed him to a three-year, $69 million deal in December, setting a new high-water mark for average annual value for a relief pitcher. That kind of investment speaks volumes, and letting him represent Puerto Rico in the WBC shows the organization’s trust in both his recovery and his professionalism.
The Dodgers have been consistent in their support of players representing their countries, and Díaz’s inclusion is no exception. It’s a calculated risk, sure, but one that aligns with the team’s broader philosophy: let the stars shine, even on the international stage.
Pitchers and catchers are set to report to Camelback Ranch on Thursday, February 13. But for those heading to the WBC, including Díaz, the report date comes a little earlier - February 11. For Díaz, it’s a chance at redemption, national pride, and a meaningful way to kick off his Dodgers career.