Dodgers’ Edwin Diaz announces WBC update three years after infamous injury
Los Angeles Dodgers closer Edwin Diaz will play for Puerto Rico at the upcoming 2026 World Baseball Classic, according to a report on X from Primera Hora.
However, the Puerto Rico Baseball Federation is reportedly threatening to pull the team from the tournament due to several players being denied participation due to insurance issues.
Two of the more well-known names who will not suit up for Puerto Rico are Diaz’s former New York Mets teammate, Francisco Lindor, and Carlos Correa of the Houston Astros.
Diaz’s freak accident at the 2023 WBC
Fans of the WBC may remember that Diaz suffered the most famous injury in the tournament’s history in 2023. He missed the entire 2023 MLB season after suffering a torn patellar tendon while celebrating a Puerto Rico win against the Dominican Republic.
At the time, Diaz’s injury sparked anger from baseball fans on social media, with some people arguing that the WBC was not important enough for the players of their favorite team to compete.
The 31-year-old right-hander signed a three-year, $69 million contract with the Dodgers during the offseason and is expected to take control of the closer’s role after Tanner Scott’s struggles last year.
Diaz has 253 saves and averages 14.5 strikeouts per nine innings for his career.
Yankees Interested in Signing All-Star Infielder After Blue Jays Stint: Report
The New York Yankees have not been too active in free agency, but there are still some solid players on the market right now.
According to MassLive’s Chris Cotillo, the Yankees are among the teams interested in signing infielder Ty France. France is going into his eighth big league season and has been an All-Star before. He was a Gold Glover last season and was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays at the trade deadline.
“As reported last night, (Arizona) Diamondbacks are in on Carlos Santana as a free agent 1B target,” Cotillo wrote on X on Sunday. “They’ve also talked to Ty France, per source, though France has a robust market. (New York) Mets and (New York) Yankees have been involved with him, plus (San Diego) Padres and others. That market is moving.”
France had a solid season for the Minnesota Twins and Blue Jays. He slashed .257/.320/.360 overall and hit seven home runs. He had slightly better numbers for the Blue Jays, but overall, he has seen a steady decline since his All-Star season in 2022.
He has experience playing first base, second base and third base in the big leagues, but has primarily been a first baseman since 2021. His overall offensive numbers are not great, but he is a right-handed bat who plays solid defense and has offensive upside.
France could be a cheap, solid fit for the Yankees in the final wave of free agency. However, it looks like they will have to beat out plenty of other suitors.