This blog post takes a look at Edwin Díaz’s decision to return to the World Baseball Classic with Puerto Rico, even after a brutal knee injury in 2023. It also explores how his recovery, performances, and the WBC roster situation might shape Puerto Rico’s Pool A run in San Juan.
The post touches on the insurance roadblocks that changed the roster, the star power that’s still there, and the hopes of an island nation eager to compete at home.
Díaz’s Easy Decision to Return for Puerto Rico
The World Baseball Classic loomed large as Edwin Díaz faced a personal and professional crossroads. After closing out Puerto Rico’s win over the Dominican Republic in the last tournament, Díaz tore his patellar tendon and lost his 2023 season with the New York Mets.
But the chance to come back and represent Puerto Rico again was just too tempting. “Playing in San Juan for my people made the choice an easy ‘yes,’” Díaz said, showing how much home-field support and national pride matter to him.
Injury, comeback, and a record-breaking 2025 season
The injury didn’t stop Díaz’s drive. He came back fully healthy and turned in one of his best years in 2025, grabbing his third All-Star nod, posting a 1.63 ERA, and racking up 48 saves.
His December move to the Los Angeles Dodgers—a three-year, $69 million deal—proved he’s still one of baseball’s top closers. Diaz spoke after a Dodgers workout, making it clear he’s all in for the WBC and excited to represent Puerto Rico on the world stage.
Pool A in San Juan: Host Duties and Schedule
Puerto Rico will host Pool A at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan from March 6–11. Canada, Colombia, Cuba, and Panama round out the field.
The top two teams from Pool A move on to the quarterfinals, so there’s a five-day sprint that’ll really test pitching, defense, and nerves. For Díaz and company, playing in front of a home crowd could give them a much-needed jolt as they handle a tight, high-pressure schedule.
What Díaz brings to a thinner Puerto Rico roster
Puerto Rico’s roster still features some big-league names, but it’s thinner than usual because of insurance issues with player contracts. That problem kept infield stars Francisco Lindor and Carlos Correa off the team, which stings for both the lineup and the fans.
Both Lindor and Correa said that Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican superstar, even offered to financially back their contracts if they got hurt, but the insurance issue just wouldn’t go away. There was a moment when officials thought about pulling out of the tournament entirely.
Still, Díaz leads a group with plenty of impact players, including Seth Lugo, Nolan Arenado, Christian Vázquez, Willi Castro, Eddie Rosario, and Heliot Ramos. They’re all eager to step up for Puerto Rico on the biggest stage.
A Star-Studded Group, Even if Not Whole
Even with some roster holes, Díaz anchors a team that’s got real major league talent. The mix of veterans and rising stars could spark a run through Pool A—and maybe further.
Key contributors and expectations
- Seth Lugo brings high-leverage relief and can handle multiple innings out of the bullpen.
- Nolan Arenado locks down the infield with elite defense and a dangerous bat.
- Christian Vázquez manages the pitching staff and chips in with timely hits.
- Willi Castro adds speed and contact skills lower in the order.
- Eddie Rosario offers lefty power and postseason experience from Puerto Rico’s player pool.
- Heliot Ramos shows off the next generation’s tools and upside on a big stage.
Outlook: Fans, Leadership, and the Road Ahead
Diaz knows Puerto Rican fans feel frustrated about the missing players. Still, he believes in this young roster—they’ve got talent, and honestly, they can go toe-to-toe with anyone out there.
“We’re not the same as before, but we’ll play with heart, we’ll play for Puerto Rico, and we’ll give everything we have on the mound and in the box,” Diaz said. He’s clearly stepping up, not just as a closer, but as a leader for the whole squad.
The WBC is going to push Puerto Rico’s depth and resilience. The team’s hungry to honor their homeland and, maybe, add a new chapter to Diaz’s comeback story.
Here is the source article for this story: Diaz: Returning to WBC after injury ‘easy decision’
Experience Baseball History in Person
Want to walk the same grounds where baseball legends made history? Find accommodations near iconic ballparks across America and create your own baseball pilgrimage.
Check availability at hotels near: Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Dodger Stadium
Plan your ballpark visit: Get MLB Ballpark Tickets and find accommodations nearby.
- Biographies
- Stadium Guides
- Current Baseball Players
- Current Players by Team
- Players that Retired in the 2020s
- Players that Retired in the 2010s
- Players that Retired in the 2000s
- Players that Retired in the 1990s
- Players that Retired in the 1980s
- Players that Retired in the 1970s
- Players that Retired in the 1960s
- Players that Retired in the 1950s
- Players that Retired in the 1940s
- Players that Retired in the 1930s