Javier Báez addresses WBC suspension for marijuana: 'I'm the one that failed the test'

Báez tested positive for marijuana in a 2023 screening test for that year's WBC and his WBC suspension runs through April 2026.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Javier Báez, a major-league All-Star, will not be able to play for Team Puerto Rico in the 2026 World Baseball Classic due to a positive test for marijuana in 2023. Báez failed a drug screen during the 2023 World Baseball Classic, resulting in a two-year suspension from WBSC events. Báez expressed his frustration at missing the opportunity to represent his home country, saying "It really hurts my family, my reputation." While MLB has allowed marijuana use since 2020, the WBSC and International Testing Agency were unwilling to lift Báez's suspension for this year's tournament.

Why it matters

The World Baseball Classic is a deeply personal event for Puerto Rican players like Báez, who has a Puerto Rican flag tattooed on his arm and has previously played for Team Puerto Rico. Báez's suspension highlights the differences between MLB's policies and those of international sports governing bodies, as well as the impact these decisions can have on athletes' careers and personal lives.

The details

Báez tested positive for marijuana during a drug screening at the 2023 World Baseball Classic. The positive test resulted in a two-year suspension from WBSC events, making him ineligible to play for Puerto Rico in the 2026 tournament. MLB and the MLBPA tried to get the suspension lifted, but the WBSC and International Testing Agency refused. Báez said he takes responsibility for the failed test, stating "I'm the one that failed the test." He did not want to point fingers at anyone else.

  • Báez's suspension runs from April 26, 2024 to April 26, 2026.
  • The 2026 World Baseball Classic is scheduled to be held in Puerto Rico.

The players

Javier Báez

A major-league All-Star who has a Puerto Rican flag tattooed on his arm and has previously played for Team Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic.

MLB

The professional baseball league that has allowed marijuana use since 2020.

Major League Baseball Players Association

The labor union that represents MLB players and worked with the league to try to restore Báez's eligibility for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

World Baseball Softball Confederation

The international governing body for baseball and softball that imposed the two-year suspension on Báez for his positive marijuana test.

International Testing Agency

The organization that oversees anti-doping efforts for the WBSC and was unwilling to lift Báez's suspension.

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What they’re saying

“I don't want to point fingers (at) anybody because this is all my fault. I'm the one that failed the test … I don't know if they didn't want me in the WBC or whatever. It's just really frustrating that I won't be able to be there and be able to be part of this. … To have the chance to be part of that, and now it's (taken) away from me, it really hurts. It really hurts my family, my reputation.”

— Javier Báez (The New York Times)

“Honestly, I understand the rules. The rules are not for us. It's for different sports. It's not like I was taking steroids or anything to last longer, whatever. They (made) that decision. I'm fine with it. I mean, I'm not fine with it. I just keep my mouth shut.”

— Javier Báez (The New York Times)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.