Fri Apr 18 00:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Lindor to Lead Puerto Rico Again in 2026 World Baseball Classic
**SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico** – New York Mets star shortstop Francisco Lindor will once again captain Team Puerto Rico in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC), the team announced Wednesday. Lindor, who led Puerto Rico to the quarterfinals of the 2023 WBC with a stellar .450 batting average and five RBIs, made the announcement via Instagram.
The four-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner was instrumental in Puerto Rico’s 2023 run, a campaign that saw them reach the quarterfinals before a narrow 5-4 defeat to Mexico. In 2026, Lindor will lead a Puerto Rican team that will host first-round Pool A games in San Juan, facing off against Cuba, Canada, Panama, and Colombia.
Lindor’s commitment to Puerto Rico extends beyond his recent performance. He also captained the team in the 2017 WBC, where they reached the championship game. His exceptional play in the 2023 tournament earned him Pool D MVP honors. The 2026 WBC will be played from March 5th to 17th.
First Piper 