(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
George Springer Considering Playing for Puerto Rico in 2026 World Baseball Classic
Toronto Blue Jays star George Springer has confirmed his interest in representing Puerto Rico at the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC).
When asked about the possibility, Springer said:
“I think for me, I’m obviously interested. That’s where my mom is from. That’s where our family is from. I have a lot to think about still, and I’ll wait until the end of the year to make a decision.”
Springer’s Resurgent 2025 Season
At 35 years old, Springer is enjoying one of the best offensive seasons of his career:
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.904 OPS – third-best mark of his career
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149 OPS+ – nearly identical to his career-best in 2019
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154 wRC+ – among the top hitters in Major League Baseball
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.381 on-base percentage – second-best in his career
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22 home runs – a key factor in Toronto’s push to first place in the AL East
Advanced metrics highlight his resurgence:
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89.8 mph exit velocity (second-best in career)
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14.9% barrel rate (second-best, just behind 2021)
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44.9% hard-hit rate (career high)
These numbers prove that Springer has re-established himself as an elite hitter after two down years.
What Springer Would Mean for Puerto Rico
If Springer commits to Puerto Rico, he would instantly slot into the middle of the batting order, providing the powerful bat the team has lacked in past tournaments.
Puerto Rico’s projected 2026 lineup already includes:
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Carlos Correa
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Francisco Lindor
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Riley Greene
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Javier Báez
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Willi Castro
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Heliot Ramos
Adding Springer could transform Puerto Rico from a quarterfinal contender into a serious championship threat.
Defensive Role Likely Limited
While Springer’s bat is thriving, his defensive numbers have declined. His -6 Outs Above Average (OAA) is the worst of his career, suggesting he may serve as a designated hitter (DH) for Puerto Rico in the WBC.
A Decision with Global Impact
Springer is eligible to represent Puerto Rico, Panama, or the United States. His choice could reshape the entire tournament:
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Playing for Puerto Rico would give them a legitimate chance at their first-ever WBC title.
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Joining Panama would significantly raise that team’s competitiveness.
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Choosing Team USA would further strengthen the defending champions.
Puerto Rico’s WBC History
Puerto Rico has been one of the most consistent teams in WBC history:
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Finalists in 2013 and 2017 (losses to Dominican Republic and USA)
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Never eliminated in the first round
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14-2 all-time first-round record – the best among all nations
In 2026, Puerto Rico will play its opening round in San Juan at Hiram Bithorn Stadium, facing:
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Colombia (March 6)
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Panama (March 7)
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Cuba (March 9)
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Canada (March 10)
With Springer in the lineup, this could be Puerto Rico’s strongest roster ever.
⚾ Bottom Line: George Springer’s decision will be one of the most important storylines heading into the 2026 World Baseball Classic. If he suits up for Puerto Rico, the team instantly becomes a favorite to contend for the championship.
