The reason for the Puerto Rican star's absence has changed: Báez is suspended due to a positive drug test unrelated to insurance.

Previous information suggested that Francisco Lindor, Carlos Correa, and Javier Báez from Puerto Rico’s national team missed this Classic because of insurance problems. However, the latest reports reveal that Báez’s actual reason for absence is not insurance but a suspension following a positive marijuana test.

According to multiple foreign media sources, after representing Puerto Rico in the Classic on March 12, 2023, Báez underwent a drug test conducted by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC). The results showed a positive test for Carboxy-THC, a key indicator used in urine, blood, or hair tests to determine recent marijuana use.

Based on this result, the WBSC imposed a two-year suspension on Báez, effective from April 26, 2024, to April 25, 2026, during which he is barred from participating in any events organized by the federation.

According to the Detroit Free Press, since 2020, the MLB and the players’ union have agreed to remove marijuana from the banned substances list. However, the WBSC, which oversees drug testing standards for the Classic, still prohibits it. Therefore, although Báez did not violate MLB rules and will not face discipline from his team, the Detroit Tigers, he remains ineligible to compete in this Classic.