This blog post digs into the tough news that superstar shortstop Francisco Lindor won’t suit up for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Let’s look at why he’s out, how his recent elbow procedure factors in, and what this means for Lindor and the Puerto Rican national team.
Lindor’s WBC Absence: A Blow to Puerto Rico
Fans were buzzing about the 2026 World Baseball Classic, especially those rooting for Puerto Rico. This team is always a threat in the tournament, but now there’s a cloud hanging over their plans.
The Elbow Procedure and Its Aftermath
Back in October, Francisco Lindor, the Mets’ dynamic shortstop, had a cleanup procedure on his right elbow. He’d already had bone spurs removed from that same elbow two years earlier.
These surgeries aren’t unusual, but they do require time to heal. The MLB Players Association said Lindor was “obviously disappointed” about missing out. He’s always been proud to play for Puerto Rico, suiting up in both the 2017 and 2023 tournaments. You can see how much it means to him, so this setback has to sting.
Insurance Constraints: The Unseen Hurdle
The elbow surgery is the main reason, but that’s not the whole story. The MLBPA pointed out that insurance constraints are really what keeps Lindor from playing in the 2026 WBC.
Understanding the Insurance Imperative
Players with massive contracts—like Lindor’s 10-year, $341 million deal—carry hefty insurance to guard against career-threatening injuries. Playing in something as intense as the WBC right after an elbow procedure? That can make insurers nervous, sometimes leading to exclusions or sky-high premiums.
If insurance won’t cover a player with recent medical issues, teams and leagues get cold feet about letting them participate. No one wants to risk a franchise cornerstone with that much money on the line. It’s a tough call, but you can see why the Mets and MLB would want to play it safe.
Lindor’s Enduring Performance and Future Outlook
Even with these elbow troubles and a few other bumps, Lindor’s been incredibly reliable. Since joining the Mets in 2021, he’s averaged 151 games per season.
Honestly, that’s a testament to his grit. He just keeps showing up, even when things aren’t perfect.
A Stellar 2023 Campaign
Lindor’s 2023 season really was something to see. Puerto Rico’s going to feel that absence, no doubt.
He led all of MLB with 732 plate appearances. That kind of steady presence in the lineup is rare these days.
His bat didn’t disappoint either. Lindor posted an .811 OPS and a sharp 129 OPS+, putting him well above league average offensively.
He joined the 30-30 club for the second time in his career, smashing 31 home runs and stealing 31 bases. That’s just elite stuff—how many players can say that?
He also earned an All-Star nod, and honestly, it felt inevitable. Jason Foster at MLB.com first broke the news, so word got around fast.
Here is the source article for this story: Lindor out of ’26 Classic after undergoing cleanup procedure on elbow
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