UPDATE: Edwin Diaz has confirmed he will represent Puerto Rico in the upcoming World Baseball Classic (WBC), making a swift comeback after a devastating injury last year. The announcement arrives just days before the tournament, which kicks off on March 6, 2024, at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan.
The 2023 season ended abruptly for Diaz, who suffered a torn patellar tendon right after sealing a victory against the Dominican Republic. Now, with his sights set on redemption, he stated, “It wasn’t in my mind. I have the chance to play in front of Puerto Rico. That was an easy decision.” This will be Diaz’s first opportunity to play for his homeland since the injury, adding emotional weight to his return.
Puerto Rico faces significant challenges in this tournament, including a diluted roster due to insurance issues affecting key players like Francisco Lindor and Carlos Correa. Reports indicate that artist Bad Bunny offered to back their contracts should injuries occur, but these efforts were unsuccessful. The situation became so critical that Puerto Rican officials considered withdrawing from the tournament altogether.
Despite the setbacks, Diaz remains optimistic. “At the end of the day, it’s how it is. I know the fans are mad because we have a couple of guys who can’t play, but we have a really good team, a young team, and I think we will have a really good WBC,” he expressed during an interview following the Los Angeles Dodgers workout.
Puerto Rico’s pool includes teams from Canada, Colombia, Cuba, and Panama, with the top two teams advancing to the quarterfinals. The stakes are high, especially considering Puerto Rico’s previous successful run that saw them reach the quarterfinals in 2021, where Diaz famously recorded the final out.
Diaz’s performance in the major leagues has been stellar following his recovery. After missing the entirety of the 2023 season, he returned to form, making the All-Star team in 2025 with a remarkable 1.63 ERA and 48 saves. He recently signed a lucrative three-year contract with the Dodgers worth $69 million.
As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on Diaz and the Puerto Rican team. The emotional and cultural significance of the WBC cannot be overstated, as this event allows players to don their national colors and represent their homeland on a global stage. “It means everything to have the chance to represent our countries in that tournament,” Diaz concluded.
With the tournament just around the corner, fans are eager to see how Puerto Rico will navigate these challenges and whether Diaz can lead them to victory once again. Stay tuned for live updates as the WBC unfolds.
