Javier Báez responds to World Baseball Classic suspension for weed – Detroit Free Press
LAKELAND, FL – Detroit Tigers shortstop Javier Báez tested positive for marijuana during the 2023 World Baseball Classic, which suspended him from participating for Team Puerto Rico in the 2026 WBC.
He has responded to the situation.
“I don’t want to point fingers at anybody because this is all my fault,” Báez said Tuesday, Feb. 17, in spring training at TigerTown. “I’m the one that failed the test. … It’s just really frustrating that I won’t be able to be there. … It really hurts my family, my reputation, but it’s part of it. Other than that, I got a long season to go, and I got to prepare for that.”
The 2026 WBC runs from March 5-17.
The suspension ends April 26.
Major League Baseball has permitted marijuana use since the 2020 season under its jointly negotiated drug policy with the MLB Players Association, but the World Baseball Softball Confederation – which governs the WBC’s rules – still prohibits the substance.
In this case, MLB and the MLBPA worked together to explore whether Báez could be cleared for the WBC, but those efforts were unsuccessful.
“I understand the rules,” Báez said. “It’s not like I was taking steroids or anything to last longer or whatever. They made that decision. I’m fine with it – I mean, I’m not fine with it. I just keep my mouth shut.”
Báez tested positive for marijuana in an exam conducted March 12, 2023, during the 2023 WBC. The 33-year-old received a two-year period of ineligibility – April 26, 2024, to April 26, 2026 – from WBSC events.
That’s why Báez can’t represent Puerto Rico.
“There are a lot of people mad and frustrated,” Báez said, “but it doesn’t hurt more than it hurts me. It’s time to turn the page and get ready for the season – and try to stay healthy.”
In 2026, Team Puerto Rico will host WBC games for the fourth time in the six editions of the international tournament, but for the first time since 2013. During the 2006 WBC, a 13-year-old Báez watched the inaugural tournament as a fan in the stands at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan.
“One of my dreams is to play in Puerto Rico for Team Puerto Rico with our families, our fans, our island,” said Báez, a three-time All-Star entering his 13th MLB season. “Nothing I can do. I’m just happy for all of my teammates that got the chance to represent. I wish them good luck.”
Before the suspension, Báez competed for Team Puerto Rico in the 2017 and 2023 WBC, earning All-WBC team honors at second base for his performance in both tournaments.
He was born in Puerto Rico.
“It’s been a long, long time since we played this tournament in Puerto Rico,” said Báez, who lives on the island during the MLB offseason. “To have the chance to be a part of that, and now it’s away from me, it really hurts.”
Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him @EvanPetzold.
Listen to our weekly Tigers show “Days of Roar” every Monday afternoon during the season and Tuesday afternoon during the offseason on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations. If you purchase through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.