Javier Baez seemingly smoked his way out of the World Baseball Classic.
Baez, who was viewed as likely to play for Puerto Rico in this year’s tournament, was deemed ineligible because of his previous marijuana use, The Athletic reported on Thursday.
The three-time All-Star tested positive for the drug during the 2023 WBC, which meant he was prohibited from playing in any World Baseball Softball Confederation events for two years — from April 26, 2024 to April 26, 2026.
This year’s tournament is set to start in early March — and before the end of Baez’s ban. Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association attempted to restore his eligibility, but the WBSC did not budge on its drug policy, according to The Athletic.
MLB has permitted the use of marijuana since the 2020 season, which means that Baez did not break any of the league’s rules and will not face any discipline from them.
This comes as Team Puerto Rico has faced multiple challenges in building its roster for the WBC, as numerous players, including Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor, were not cleared to play due to insurance reasons.
A statement from the players association said Lindor — who underwent debridement surgery on his right elbow in October — was “disappointed” over not being able to represent Puerto Rico this year but reiterated he would be ready for spring training.
“Francisco is obviously disappointed that he will be unable to participate,” the players’ association statement read. “However, because of WBC insurance constraints, he is ineligible to play in WBC games.
“He will participate fully in all spring training activities.”
In addition to Lindor, Astros third baseman Carlos Correa, Blue Jays pitcher Jose Berrios and Twins catcher Victor Caratini are among some players who are unable to play, with officials from Team Puerto Rico saying that withdrawing the squad was “on the table.”
“That option is on the table,” Joey Sola, Team Puerto Rico’s operations manager, told The Athletic on Sunday.
“It obviously will depend upon if we can figure out the substitute players,” he added.
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