Puerto Rico's star player, Francisco Lindor, will not be participating in the 2026 World Baseball Classic due to insurance complications following his right elbow surgery. This is a significant setback for the team, especially considering Lindor's crucial role in Puerto Rico's recent success.
Lindor, a New York Mets player, underwent a right elbow debridement in October, just after the Mets' season ended. The MLB players' association announced his withdrawal, citing insurance issues as the primary reason. Lindor's absence is particularly disappointing as he had been named captain of Puerto Rico's 2026 squad, a role he also held in the previous tournament.
Lindor's performance in the 2023 tournament was impressive, with a .450 batting average, 5 RBIs, and 9 hits in 20 at-bats. His leadership and skill made him a key figure in Puerto Rico's journey to the 2017 WBC final. However, his absence from the 2026 tournament will be felt, especially with the recent withdrawal of Carlos Correa due to similar insurance concerns.
Lindor's stellar season with the Mets, where he hit .267 with 31 homers, 86 RBIs, and 31 stolen bases, further highlights the impact of his absence. With Lindor out, Puerto Rico's chances of advancing from Pool A, which includes strong teams like the Dominican Republic and Mexico, are uncertain. The team will now need to rely on other players to fill the void left by Lindor's absence.
Despite the setback, Puerto Rico's tournament opener against Colombia is set for March 6 at 6 p.m. ET in San Juan. The full rosters for all teams will be announced on February 5, providing an opportunity for fans and analysts to assess the impact of Lindor's absence on the tournament's dynamics.
