Detroit Tigers shortstop Javier Baez publicly accepted complete responsibility for testing positive for marijuana in 2023, which resulted in his exclusion from the World Baseball Classic. The three-time All-Star expressed deep disappointment about missing the chance to represent Puerto Rico in the tournament being held in his homeland.

Detroit Tigers infielder Javier Baez has publicly taken full responsibility for a marijuana-related drug test failure that cost him the opportunity to represent Puerto Rico in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

Speaking to reporters Tuesday at the Tigers’ spring training facility in Lakeland, Florida, Baez made his first public statements regarding the suspension. “Honestly, I don’t want to point fingers at anybody, because this is all my fault,” the veteran player said. “I’m the one that failed the test, and the rules are there.”

The 33-year-old shortstop’s positive test occurred on March 12, 2023. As a result, the World Baseball Softball Confederation imposed a two-year prohibition that started April 26, 2024, and extends through April 26, 2026.

The timing is particularly painful for Baez, as the 2026 World Baseball Classic is scheduled for March 5-17.

While Major League Baseball has allowed marijuana use since 2020, meaning Baez faces no penalties from MLB or his team, the international governing body maintains stricter standards.

“There’s one job that I have to do: Play baseball,” Baez explained. “I don’t know if they didn’t want me in the WBC or whatever, but it’s just really frustrating that I won’t be able to be there and to be part of this.”

The missed opportunity holds special significance for the Puerto Rican native, who noted the tournament’s rare return to his homeland. “It’s been a long, long time (since) we played this tournament in Puerto Rico, and when we did, I think in 2006, I was in the stands as a fan,” he reflected. “To have the chance to be part of that and now it’s away from me, it really hurts. It really hurts my family, my reputation. But it’s part of it.”

Baez had been preparing during the offseason to join Team Puerto Rico, having previously competed in the 2017 and 2013 tournaments. Despite his disappointment about missing this “dream” opportunity, he emphasized his intention to move forward and concentrate on the upcoming MLB season.

“Honestly, I understand the rules,” Baez stated. “The rules are not for us. It’s for different sports. It’s not like I was taking steroids or anything to last longer, whatever. They (made) that decision. I’m fine with it. I mean, I’m not fine with it. I just keep my mouth shut.”

The veteran infielder enjoyed a strong 2023 campaign, earning All-Star recognition while posting a .257 batting average with 12 home runs and 57 RBIs across 126 games. His career achievements include a Silver Slugger Award as a National League second baseman in 2018 and a Gold Glove as an NL shortstop in 2020, both earned during his tenure with the Chicago Cubs.

Throughout his major league career spanning the Cubs (2014-21), New York Mets (2021), and Tigers (2022-present), Baez has compiled a .252 batting average with 193 home runs and 685 RBIs over 1,348 regular-season contests. He was part of the Cubs’ 2016 World Series championship team.