Javier Baez's World Baseball Classic marijuana suspension a frustrating development

Detroit Tigers Infielder Javier Baez will not be able to participate in this year's World Baseball Classic due to a failed marijuana test at the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Due to that failed test, he was banned from playing in World Baseball Softball Confederation events through the end of April 2026. 

This year's World Baseball Classic will take place between March 5, 2026, and March 17, 2026. 

It is a frustrating development for a Puerto Rico team that will already be without Francisco Lindor (New York Mets) and Carlos Correa (Houston Astros), among other MLB players, due to not being cleared for insurance purposes.

It is even more frustrating because he tested positive two years ago. 

Javier Baez broke no MLB rule, but MLB is powerless to fix it

According to a report from The Athletic on Friday, both Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association tried to work to restore Baez's eligibility, but the WBSC had zero interest in changing its drug policy. Not even with the suspension being so close to ending.

What has to make it even more maddening and frustrating for Baez and Puerto Rico is that MLB has permitted players to use marijuana since the 2020 season. So he did not even break any MLB rules. 

But because the WBSC has different regulations and drug policies, there is nothing MLB can do to fix it.

It is a tough situation for a Puerto Rico team that is already down some significant stars. 

Baez had a bounce-back year for the Tigers in 2025, finishing with a 1.9 Wins Above Replacement and a .680 OPS. That was a significant jump from the minus-1.1 WAR and .516 OPS he posted during the 2024 season.