Reds Prospect Arroyo to Play for Puerto Rico in World Baseball Classic

With star shortstops unavailable, Puerto Rico turns to rising Reds infielder Edwin Arroyo for infield production.

Feb. 23, 2026 at 2:55am

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The Puerto Rico national baseball team has turned to Cincinnati Reds prospect Edwin Arroyo to bolster their infield for the upcoming World Baseball Classic, after several star shortstops from the island were unable to participate. The 22-year-old Arroyo, ranked as the Reds' 8th best prospect last season, will get a chance to showcase his skills on the international stage.

Why it matters

Puerto Rico has produced many of baseball's top shortstops in recent years, but with players like Francisco Lindor and Carlos Correa unavailable due to injuries and suspensions, the team needed to find new talent to fill that void. Arroyo's selection represents an opportunity for the young infielder to gain valuable experience and exposure as he works towards his MLB debut.

The details

Arroyo, a switch-hitter, batted .284 with 3 home runs and 44 RBIs in 120 games at Double-A last season. He also impressed in Puerto Rican winter ball, hitting .355 with an .896 OPS. After missing the 2024 season due to left shoulder surgery, Arroyo bounced back in 2025 and will now get a chance to showcase his skills on the international stage.

  • Arroyo received his invitation to the Puerto Rico WBC team in the final days before the roster deadline.
  • The first round of the World Baseball Classic featuring Pool A, which includes Puerto Rico, will take place from March 6-11 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
  • If Puerto Rico advances, they would play their next round games in Houston at Daikin Park.

The players

Edwin Arroyo

A 22-year-old infield prospect in the Cincinnati Reds organization, ranked as the team's 8th best prospect in 2025.

Francisco Lindor

All-Star shortstop for the New York Mets who was unable to play for Puerto Rico due to an injury.

Carlos Correa

Shortstop for the Houston Astros who also could not participate for Puerto Rico due to an injury history that prevented him from getting insurance coverage.

Javier Báez

Shortstop for the Detroit Tigers who was prevented from playing for Puerto Rico due to a suspension for a positive drug test for marijuana following the last WBC in 2023.

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What they’re saying

“I hope I play a lot for them. It will be an honor. It's a blessing to be named one of the players. They called me one of the last days [before the roster deadline]. I'm glad I have the opportunity.”

— Edwin Arroyo

“For a younger kid, this can be a really good experience.”

— Terry Francona, Reds Manager

What’s next

If Puerto Rico advances past the first round of the World Baseball Classic, they would play their next games in Houston at Daikin Park.

The takeaway

With several of Puerto Rico's top shortstop talents unavailable, the national team has turned to rising Reds prospect Edwin Arroyo to fill a key role in their infield. This represents a valuable opportunity for the 22-year-old to gain international experience as he works towards his MLB debut.