MIAMI — The World Baseball Classic has turned from excitement to concern, as Team Puerto Rico is considering withdrawing from the tournament — a decision that could affect Arizona Diamondbacks players who were already committed to playing this year.
Mar 17, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Team Puerto Rico huddles inside the dugout prior to the game against Mexico at LoanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
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According to Beisbol Puro, Puerto Rico Baseball Federation president Jose Quiles is considering withdrawing due to the team’s inability to secure participation from many of its stars because of insurance restrictions.
Much of this has stemmed from news that New York Mets star Francisco Lindor would not be participating in this year’s tournament. This has caused an uproar among Puerto Rican fans, as their captain and the face of the team will be left out of the WBC.
Other big MLB names that will also miss the Classic are Carlos Correa and Kiké Hernandez.
Fans watch from the upper deck as the USA gets set to play Mexico during the World Baseball Classic at Chase Field in Phoenix on March 12, 2023. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
Baseball World Baseball Classic Day 2
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In an interview with El Vocero de Puerto Rico’s Gabriel Quiles, the president said that it’s not that he doesn’t believe other players can fill in the absences, but that they “demand respect,” citing how tight the deadline is to complete rosters with news coming out every day that certain players won’t be available to play.
“If the United States wants the gold medal, they should make a three-game series against Japan and not let us waste our time,” Quiles said. (Translated from Spanish to English)
What does this have to do with the Diamondbacks?
USA’s Nolan Arenado fields a ball at third base against Colombia during their World Baseball Classic game at Chase Field in Phoenix on March 15, 2023.
Baseball World Baseball Classic Final Day © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
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For starters, Diamondbacks third baseman Nolan Arenado has already committed to play for the team, wanting to represent his mother’s roots in the WBC. Without Puerto Rico in the mix, Arenado would no longer be involved in the tournament.
On a much larger scale, Puerto Rico is set to host pool play. If they were to be removed, that would leave WBC organizers scrambling to reframe the pool on such short notice, while also dealing with Puerto Rican fans who may not want to attend games and could request refunds.
Jul 18, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Michael Soroka (34) pitches against the San Diego Padres during the first inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
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This directly affects other teams in the same pool, such as Cuba, Panama, Colombia, and Canada — the team Diamondbacks pitcher Michael Soroka has already committed to as well.
While nothing is confirmed, Puerto Rico’s future in the World Baseball Classic could significantly shake up the tournament and potentially leave Arizona with one less representative on the biggest international baseball stage.
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde