Edwin Díaz intends to play for Puerto Rico at '23 World Baseball Classic

September 6th, 2022

Sound the trumpets! Yes, Mets closer Edwin Díaz -- who has become a baseball sensation this season as he's posted a 1.52 ERA with 29 saves while entering to Blasterjaxx's "Narco" -- has committed to representing Puerto Rico at next March's World Baseball Classic. This will be the closer's second time on the team, having saved two games while striking out nine in 5 1/3 innings during Puerto Rico's second-place finish at the 2017 tournament.

Díaz's announcement came shortly after it was revealed that Cubs starter Marcus Stroman would be switching from Team USA -- where he won the MVP Award in 2017 -- to Puerto Rico. They're joined by Twins shortstop Carlos Correa and first baseman Jose Miranda, who will try to deliver Puerto Rico's first WBC title. P.R.'s squad has finished as the runner-up in 2013 and 2017. Official rosters won't be announced until the offseason, however.

Puerto Rico will play in Pool D at loanDepot Park from March 11-15 against the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Israel and a Qualifier winner.