Detroit Tigers infielder Javier Báez is ineligible to play in the 2026 World Baseball Classic while he serves a two-year suspension due to marijuana use, his agent confirmed to Chris McCosky of the Detroit News.
Báez, a staple of Puerto Rico's national team, had been slated to represent his country in the WBC for a third time.
The World Baseball Softball Confederation handed Báez a two-year suspension from international events after he tested positive for marijuana during the 2023 WBC, a source told Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press. His ban reportedly expires on April 26 of this year, one month after the WBC ends.
Báez won't face any discipline from Major League Baseball or the Tigers, as the league allows players to use marijuana recreationally. However, marijuana remains classified as a banned substance by the WBSC, meaning players participating in events sanctioned by international baseball's governing body can't use the drug until after the tournament concludes.
MLB and the players' union sought to clear Báez for the upcoming tournament but ultimately couldn't work around the WBSC's drug policy, per Petzold.
Báez helped Puerto Rico reach the 2017 WBC final with an electric performance that included a no-look tag at second base. He went 7-for-19 with one homer and six RBIs during the 2023 tournament.
The 33-year-old hit .257/.282/.398 with 12 homers and 57 RBIs in 126 games for the Tigers last season.
