Javier Baez suspended from 2026 WBC over marijuana use

Latest blow for Puerto Rico's World Baseball Classic roster

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Javier Baez, a three-time MLB All-Star, has been deemed ineligible to play for Puerto Rico in the 2026 World Baseball Classic due to a previous positive marijuana test during the 2023 tournament. This comes as Puerto Rico has faced multiple challenges in building its roster for the upcoming WBC, with several other high-profile players also unable to participate due to insurance constraints.

Why it matters

Baez's suspension is a significant setback for Puerto Rico's national team, which has been struggling to field a competitive roster for the 2026 WBC. The loss of star players like Baez, Francisco Lindor, Carlos Correa, and others could severely impact Puerto Rico's chances of success in the tournament.

The details

Baez tested positive for marijuana during the 2023 World Baseball Classic, which resulted in a two-year ban from all World Baseball Softball Confederation events. Despite MLB's decision to allow the use of marijuana since 2020, the WBSC's drug policy remains in place, and they did not make an exception for Baez. The MLB Players Association attempted to restore Baez's eligibility, but the WBSC did not budge on its stance.

  • Baez's ban runs from April 26, 2024 to April 26, 2026.
  • The 2026 World Baseball Classic is set to start in early March, before the end of Baez's suspension.

The players

Javier Baez

A three-time MLB All-Star who was expected to play for Puerto Rico in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, but has been suspended due to a previous positive marijuana test.

Francisco Lindor

A New York Mets shortstop who was not cleared to play for Puerto Rico in the 2026 WBC due to insurance constraints after undergoing elbow surgery in October 2023.

Carlos Correa

An Houston Astros third baseman who is unable to play for Puerto Rico in the 2026 WBC due to insurance issues.

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What they’re saying

“Francisco is obviously disappointed that he will be unable to participate. However, because of WBC insurance constraints, he is ineligible to play in WBC games.”

— Players Association (The Athletic)

“That option is on the table. It obviously will depend upon if we can figure out the substitute players.”

— Joey Sola, Team Puerto Rico Operations Manager (The Athletic)

What’s next

The World Baseball Softball Confederation has maintained its stance on Baez's suspension, despite MLB's decision to allow marijuana use. Team Puerto Rico is still working to finalize its roster for the 2026 WBC, with the possibility of withdrawing the team if they cannot find suitable replacements for the absent players.

The takeaway

Baez's suspension and the broader roster challenges facing Team Puerto Rico highlight the ongoing tensions between the policies of international sports governing bodies and the evolving attitudes towards marijuana use in professional sports. This situation could have significant implications for Puerto Rico's chances of success in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.