Detroit and Puerto Rico have been shaken in recent days as star Javier Báez was officially suspended from playing in the 2026 World Baseball Classic after testing positive for marijuana during the 2023 WBC, resulting in a ban from all World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) events until April 2026 — and preventing him from representing Team Puerto Rico at the major event early in the year.

At 33 years old, in peak form for the Detroit Tigers and expected to be the driving force for Puerto Rico, this decision came as a cold shower to both fans and Báez himself. And today, amidst a storm of public criticism, Báez has spoken out with a frank and emotional message to his fans and the global baseball community.

In a lengthy, widely publicized statement, Báez began with a heartfelt apology: “I am truly sorry to the fans, to my teammates, and to the country of Puerto Rico. I know how proud it is to wear the national team jersey, and I have let them down.”

This was not merely a diplomatic statement — in Báez’s voice, there was pain, remorse, and a determination to take responsibility.

According to WBSC regulations, a player who tests positive for marijuana at an international event is suspended for two years from WBSC competitions. Because Báez took his positive result from the 2023 WBC, the suspension is in effect from April 26, 2024, to April 26, 2026, meaning it will end after the 2026 World Baseball Classic — which takes place from March 5–17.

The irony lies in the fact that Major League Baseball’s rules removed marijuana from the list of banned substances in 2020, so Báez wasn’t punished by MLB and continued to play for the Tigers normally, but was only banned from international competitions due to the strict policies of the WBSC.

In his message, Báez didn’t shy away from responsibility but proactively confronted the ongoing criticism:

“I know there are people saying I chose the wrong time to act this way. I understand the disappointment of Puerto Rican fans and the baseball community as a whole. I’m not here to justify myself — I just want to acknowledge it.”

These words saddened many, as Báez was a player who always gave his all while representing the national team in the 2017 and 2023 WBC seasons, and was honored as an All-WBC Team player thanks to his achievements.

Báez’s absence is just part of a worse picture for the Puerto Rican national team. Previously, several other stars such as Francisco Lindor and Carlos Correa had also been removed from the team due to insurance issues, leaving the roster severely depleted.

This raised concerns that Puerto Rico might have to withdraw from the tournament or participate with a depleted squad, a stark contrast to expectations of a strong comeback after their previous successful performances.

Following Báez’s announcement and apology, fan forums erupted into two opposing camps. Some criticized him for his “responsibility as a national representative,” arguing that such a ban was unacceptable for a veteran player and icon of Puerto Rico.

Meanwhile, the majority of fans and some commentators expressed sympathy, emphasizing that international regulations and MLB rules are distinctly different, and Báez should be seen as a normal person making a mistake, not a “traitor to the nation.”

A blunt Reddit comment read: “This is ridiculous – international rules need to be updated if marijuana is legalized in MLB again.”

Báez concluded his message with a clear commitment:

“I will use the coming days to prove that I deserve your support — not just in the 2026 MLB season, but in how I live and play. I’m not abandoning Puerto Rico or the fans. I just can’t be there because of a rule I’ve misunderstood.”

This wasn’t just a plea for forgiveness — it was a promise for the future, as he would continue playing for the Detroit Tigers and would bring his speed, skill, and heart back every day.

Javier Báez’s story is more than just a suspended MLB legend. It’s a lesson in the difference between international rules and domestic rules, about making personal decisions within the complexities of different competition formats.

And above all, it was a candid apology from one of the most beloved players, an apology that was neither hidden nor evasive – an apology that made the entire baseball community pause, reflect, and, perhaps, empathize.