One of the prominent players for the Mets, Francisco Lindor, will not be competing in the World Baseball Classic after all.
According to a statement from the MLB Players Association, Lindor is unable to join Team Puerto Rico this spring due to elbow surgery he had in October and “insurance restrictions” applicable to international play.
The Mets previously indicated that Lindor would be ready for spring training after undergoing debridement surgery on his right elbow, a sentiment also shared by the MLBPA.
“Francisco is obviously disappointed not to be able to participate,” the players’ association’s statement noted. “But, due to WBC insurance rules, he is not eligible for the matches.”
Despite this setback, he will take part fully in all activities during spring training.
Lindor had served as team captain for Puerto Rico in 2023 and was chosen again to lead in 2026.
In his last appearance, he demonstrated strong performance with a .450 batting average, totaling three RBIs over four games; Puerto Rico won three out of four games before falling to Mexico in the quarterfinals.
As for who might step in as captain, that remains uncertain.
This debridement surgery marks the third offseason procedure Lindor has gone through with the Mets, following the removal of a bone spur in his right elbow in 2023 and an appendectomy the previous year.
Even without Lindor, the Mets are still expected to have players in the WBC. Right-handed pitchers Clay Holmes and Nolan McLean are confirmed to be on Team USA’s roster.
Outfielder Juan Soto, who represented the Dominican Republic during the last tournament, expressed interest in playing again but hasn’t yet made a definite decision.
Additionally, new third baseman Bo Bichette, who recently signed a significant three-year, $126 million deal with the Mets, has been considering the possibility of playing for Team Brazil, but reports suggest he will not participate.
The complete 20-man roster is set to be revealed during a live broadcast on MLB Network Thursday at 7 p.m. ET.
